More Pushing Out Comfort Zones

Last night I took new gratuate Mike Griffiths to meet a young woman (mid 20s) and her parents to discuss the McGuire Programme. The woman has had a stammer all her life and like Mike did, she has been undecided on whether to attend a course or not. Also like Mike and myself she has a covert stammer and hides it with great skill. To the outside word people think she has no speech problem but to the woman, inside its eating into her and always putting herself under pressure to have to avoid words and sounds.

I decided to ask Mike along as he has only been on the programme a few months and as well as giving him an opportunity to speak, show his video and push out his comfort zones in a new environment I also felt it would benefit the young woman to hear someone speaking so soon after their first course.

When we got there we received a warm greeting with tea and rolls, I wish I had not just eaten a roast before we left!! I did a mini open day presentation, telling them a bit about stammering, method (some things we teach on the course), structure of a course, our STRONG support network etc etc.

Then it was Mikes chance. Its amazing how well Mike did as I could tell he felt a little under pressure to speak well as he was not only representing himself but also the McGuire Programme. He did what I wanted him to do, be open and honest and disciplined with his speech. He started off mechanical and then relaxed as it went on and I could see him enjoying his voice and the way be came across. He showed his video and answered questions with great honesty and I felt this was another great step for Mike in expanding his comfort zones. Well done son!!

All we must do now is hope this young woman wants to take control of her stammer and being in her mid 20,s she is at a good age to realise how important having speech control really is!!