By Jodie Symonds
Since the tender age of 4, The Patch local Kristy Warden began to develop a stutter.
By age 18, her speech impediment developed to a stage where the related anxiety began to impact heavily on her life.
Now, she has turned around her life and has used her experience to help others to change their lives.
During Year 12 she joined the McGuire Programme in Heidelberg, where she was able to overcome the speech impediment.
Ms Warden told the ‘Mail’ she felt compelled to address the issue after a difficult school experience.
“The turning point for me was when I did an oral presentation for English,” Ms Warden said.
“I could barely get through a word or two without having to stutter.
“My teachers gave me a good mark, but it was a horrible experience.”
Ms Warden said she soon found other people with the same condition, which gave her the confidence to find help.
The McGuire Programme is run by coaches and team leaders, who have experienced the same impediment.
The initiative aims to build confidence and offers techniques to overcome stuttering through speech therapy.
Ms Warden said Year 12 was a difficult time to start the program, but she wanted to improve.
“Once I completed the program, I went back to school and did the oral presentation again,” she said.
“I did really well the second time.
“It really helped to join the program, knowing that instructors and leaders have been through it, too.”
Ms Warden is now a certified primary coach at the McGuire Programme’s Melbourne campus.
She instructs intensive courses and runs refresher days, as well as assisting new students.
“If anyone is suffering, I would recommend they join the program,” she said.
“They’re not alone.
“It was such a good feeling to overcome that situation.”
For more information on the McGuire Programme, visit www.stuttering.com.au.
