commentr/StutterApril 28, 2021

Content

Absolutely. I only really started working on my stutter when I was around 22-23. I basically bombed out of every job interview I had after completing my degree, because I would literally block and sit there losing air and not being able to answer a single question. Was in a bad place and saw no hope of a future (how can I ever get a proper job) I tried all the shortcuts first - hypnotherapy, vitamin B1, singing when talking, all that rubbish. At the end, I remembered seeing a doco about the McGuire Programme and skeptically I attended my first course. Literally life changing. The course itself was an eye opener on what I can actually do with my speech and that controlling a stutter is possible. I actually had a few other interviews after the first course, which I nailed and got offers for. I of course kept up the practice and lifestyle into today, and my current job involves constant talking to a lot of people, managing people and doing a lot of public presentations. I am also super open that I have a stutter, although due to me basically having set the McGuire techniques into a habit now, a regular passerby would not think I have a stutter, and would probably be thinking - shit this guy can talk well. so yes absolutely do not get discouraged. I am still in the mcguire programme, I am a coach now and volunteer my time to helping others get a grip on thier stutter, and all I can say is the cliche - age is just a number. I have plenty of mates and mentees that are much older, the same or younger than me - and although it may be harder for someone older to develop new habbits (old dog, new tricks kind of thing) - anyone can do it, you just need to have the mindset for it. If you really don't care about changing your speech or controlling your stutter - than don't, all the power to you, but if you do - I 100% recommend the mcguire programme - no alternative out there.

Themes

Anticipation & AvoidanceCoping & AdvocacyEmotional ExperienceSchool & Work

Subthemes

Avoidance & SubstitutionFluency TechniquesHope & MotivationEmployment & Career