Vad innebär McGuire-programmet?

To: neurosemanticsofstuttering@yahoogroups.com

”Hazel, I’m not sure if you know the answer to this but I thought I’d ask. How does the McGuire program actually prevent stuttering? Like does it do something with the vocal cords like relax them or push them apart? Or do they think stuttering is caused by the diaphragm malfunctioning, and it somehow prevents that?”
_________________________________________________________________

Alex – you know how to ask BIG questions J ( 🙂

There are various aspects to the McGuire approach – both physical and psychological.  On the physical side, the costal breathing helps to keep the diaphragm moving freely as we speak. I.e. it helps to prevent it contracting when it should be relaxed.  As we know, there can be various triggers for our diaphragm contracting when speaking e.g. fear of stuttering and the various negative meanings we give to it; thinking of the words first and then trying to say them; anticipating difficulty saying certain sounds etc.  Basically, anything which messes up our mind/body’s inbuilt natural ability to produce fluent speech, which can only happen when “thinking”, “activating our voice” and “articulation” are all happening simultaneously and automatically.  So, the McGuire breathing method provides a way to dramatically reduce the likelihood of our diaphragm freezing when speaking.

Another physical aspect is the deeper tone which, I understand, helps to keep the vocal folds further apart when speaking, so that they’re less likely to uncontrollably clamp together.  I certainly find this aspect really helpful and it keeps my focus away from my mouth/throat etc – where most of the struggle takes place when we stutter.  Also it does provide a more powerful way of speaking, so it’s great for voice projection – without straining it.  I also find that feeling the vibrations of my voice resonating through my chest as I speak very helpful and, actually, does make me more aware of the fact that it’s my voice which is the basis of speaking – like Barbara (Dahm) says.

On the psychological side there’s the voluntary stuttering (“deliberate dysfluency”) which is great for reducing the fear of stuttering and being open and honest with people about the fact that we stutter.  Also non-avoidance of sounds, words, speaking situations and pushing out one’s comfort zone on a regular basis.  There’s more to it than this but these are the basics.   I think McGuire is something which needs to be experienced to fully appreciate the benefits of it.  Of course, there needs to be a willingness to speak differently in the outside world and to not try to speak fluently or to not try to speak like everyone else.  I’ve pretty much reached that point now.  I really don’t care if my breathing isn’t completely natural anymore.  It’s more important to me that I communicate clearly and in a way which reflects the real me and in a way which is enjoyable and fun.  As I’ve said before, I think over time, the way I breathe won’t be as exaggerated as it can be at the moment, and will appear more natural.  Also I will have more flow – especially when I more fully give up thinking about the words!!!

Hope this kind of answers your question, Alex.  Do let us know how you’re getting on, from time to time, as you feel able.  We’re all here to help and support each other, whatever route we’re taking J
Hazel
__________________________

Jag tycker att Hazel gör en intresseväckande beskrivning av McGuire-programmet, när hon svarar på Alex’ frågor. ”On the physical side, the costal breathing helps to keep the diaphragm moving freely as we speak.” Diafragman skall tydligen röra sig fritt, när man talar. Det låter bra, tycker jag. När man spänner sig samtidigt som man talar, brukar det inte gå så bra att tala med flyt. Jag har noterat att det finns fler än en person som spänner sig och samtidigt stammar. Men det ska man inte göra enligt Hazel: ”So, the McGuire breathing method provides a way to dramatically reduce the likelihood of our diaphragm freezing when speaking.”
– I think McGuire is something which needs to be experienced to fully appreciate the benefits of it. Ja, som vanligt är det ju så, att för att en metod skall fungera till 100% så måste hela metoden ”- needs to be experienced to fully appreciate the benefits of it.

Så är det också med TALAkademins erfarenheter av talträning. Man måste behärska de grundläggande färdigheterna till fullo. Tag chansen att träna med TALAkademin på årets kursarrangemang. Nu närmast tillsammans med Stamningsföreningen Västra Götaland i slutet av Mars månad.

From: neurosemanticsofstuttering@yahoogroups.com [mailto:neurosemanticsofstuttering@yahoogroups.com]
Sent: Sunday, February 26, 2017 4:30 AM
T
Subject: [neurosemanticsofstuttering] Re: Update