Recommended: The King’s Speech

The King's SpeechI enjoyed the Tom Hooper movie The King’s Speech with Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham Carter. It details the relationship between a (literally) tongue-tied King George VI and the Australian speech coach he rather reluctantly hires to help him overcome his debilitating stutter. The film covers the period leading up to his ascension to the throne and the times in World War II, when as king he was required to address the nation on radio.

I won’t spoil the movie by giving away the plot. I recommend this movie to anyone interested in:

  • Overcoming a fear of public speaking
  • Reasons the medical establishment once recommended people “deeply inhale” cigarette smoke
  • The relationship between the client and speech coach
  • Ways to overcome the barriers of class, rank and power to make an effective human connection
  • The historical (as opposed to current) dysfunctions of the British Royal Family

Above all, this is a compelling true story that wonderfully captures the feel of a bygone era. Go see it.

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I also found this film inspiring, and I hope you enjoy my own review (http://tinyurl.com/KingsSpeechReview). Included in it is a link to the actual speech that King George gave to rally the UK to war against the Nazis.

Thanks Pat. Wonderful review. The link the BBC archives of the actual speech George VI gave is a real treasure — showing the results of Lionel Logue’s work with “Bertie” that is so powerfully portrayed in the film.

Great points you made about this extraordinary movie.

When I saw it, the audience applauded at the end. How often does that happen!

Thanks!

a wonderful film. Saw it in Santa Fe. The entire audience applauded at the end.

Author, actress and presentation coach Jan D’Arcy has a great review of the movie. She tells me she once auditioned for a role with Colin Firth…

Speechworks list communications tips from the movie.

Gerrid and Susan have a wonderful info-graphic poster that highlights the pauses in one of the greatest speeches of England’s history.



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