‘The King’s Speech’ is a brilliant film about King George VI who had a severe stammer, and how speech therapist Lionel Logue helped him. 
What an unlikely subject for blockbuster!
It examines how they worked together to help the (potential) King with his debilitating speech problem.
Lionel’s methods may have seemed unorthodox…
but his approach beautifully reflects some of the ingredients I am familiar with in my voice work. It was intriguing to see them in action…
Mutual respect
Lionel the teacher, persuaded the King (Bertie) that during their sessions they should use each others first names. This was in no way meant to be disrespectful but to create an equal relationship – essential for a working coaching partnership. The King needed to be convinced; after all, his life was built around formalities so this would have been a big deal, but in the end he did agree. This mutual respect secureda friendship that lasted for the rest of their lives.
Commitment
Bertie’s speech impediment was severe. Lionel knew that for his approach to be effective they would need to start with regular, daily sessions – much to the surprise of the King. His time and personal commitment needed to be guaranteed – he took some convincing but eventually the King began to realise that he needed to trust Lionel’s expert advice. Luckily he had the support and encouragement of his wife (Queen Elizabeth II’s mother – the Queen Mum).
Flexible approach
Lionel had a challenge on his hands with this particular client. Bertie’s stammer paralysed his throat so speaking in public was a nightmare experience – but one that a King could not avoid. Lionel took both a physical and psychological approach. He coached muscle exercises and attempted to get to the ‘trigger’ of the stammer. As he said “you wern’t born with a stammer”. The psychological approach to speech work is common now, but in the 1930s was unusual. The King was uncomfortable during these exchanges but they played a useful part in building the King’s self-esteem and confidence.
I fully appreciated Lionel’s methods. Applied with sensitivity, taking a psychological as well as a physical approach to voice work delivers an ‘holistic’, more enriching experience for the client.