Listen to the words, above all else
And in the end, he said what had to be said, and everyone applauded. Around the world.
Tonight, the king spoke to me; across the years and the ocean wide. He overcame his fear, looked the monster in its eye and delivered his text, as if he’d been born to the role. And I believed him. We’ve just finished watching The King’s Speech, starring Colin Firth. I had read the reviews, had an idea of the basic premise, went willingly into the fray. And came out pleased.
My own stammer, at an age where I would not have to speak in public, was a minor bump in my development. I received an electric train set, by Lionel, in return for “overcoming”. Perhaps if the prince had been offered such an enticing reward, instead of getting an empire, things might have gone differently. But that’s a footnote to history.
Although we pay lip service to the monarchy (and sit on their faces when the coinage of the realm ends up in a back pocket), there are people who are sure that kings aren’t like the rest of us. They bow and speak softly, but that’s a choice. Could it be that the profiles on the pennies are actually “nice folk”? The movie would have us believe so. The man who would be king, if he could have said so, came through with the help of a friend who refused to play the game.
I’m willing to recommend this movie, based on my own acceptance of an illusion. Public speaking isn’t all that hard.
