The King’s Speech Movie

The King’s Speech Movie

Peers

The self-concept King George had about himself was highly influenced by what his peers thought about his speech impediment. His image and how he perceived himself was base on the criticism of the family and court that he was surrounded by. His low self-esteem was learned through the time because his lack of support from friends and family. His adult life was mostly focused on what his weaknesses were, because of the traumatic memory of teasing from his peers.  

Self

King George though that he was not capable enough to be king. His negative though about himself limited him from enjoying his position of royalty. His desire to be like his father and his brother made him feel dissatisfied and depressed. All these circumstances lead him to be insecure in his disclosure with others. This learned behavior was an anchor in his life until he started learning that it was possible to overcome his impediment.

Significant-Others

Fortunately, King’s George’s wife was very supportive with him. She was always looking for ways to support her husband. Also, she was patient and willing to give him positive feedback about their situation. His daughters where as well supportive to him. They enjoyed the time when the King told them tales, and never mention anything about his problem with his speech. This support maintained King’s George self-esteem afloat.

Culture

People from the United Kingdom in the 1930’s expected to hear messages, in form of speeches from the king and the royal members through the radio. King George was obligated all the time to give a speech to his people and his fear of public speaking increased every time he had to do it. Because he was part of royalty, he was not openly criticized; however, he knew that people talked about him behind his back because members of the court shared it with him.

Self-disclosure

The first example is when Lionel Logue, an Australian speech and language therapist confessed to the king that he is not a real Doctor. He told King George that he was an actor, but that his main passion was to help people with problem with speech. He explained that he helped soldiers that came back from war with trauma and struggled to speak. He emphasized that his unorthodox methods really work to improve their speech.

The second example of self-disclosure is when Lionel had to explain to his wife that he was treating, as a patient, King George. Lionel had hidden this information from everybody including his family; however, his wife arrived at their house one day early and found the queen in their dining room. That’s why Lionel had to give an explanation of his patient.

Feedback

        Bertie’s therapist gave him a disk with the recording of his reading in the first day of meeting. The Future King’s George put the disk on the record player and was very surprised that his pronunciation was fine and without interruptions. He was able to read clearly, and continuously. Bertie from this point forward he requested to move forward with the speech therapy after discovering that Lionel was capable of helping him with his speech problem.

        The second example of feedback is when Lionel arrived at the rehearsal of the coronation and the King confronted him because of his lack of credentials as a doctor. In the discussion, Lionel sat down in the King’s seat and George got upset about it. Then King George then yelled “I have a voice”, and the therapist said to him “Yes, you do”, reaffirming that he was important, he was capable to be a king. George understood in that moment that he was able to perform better in public speaking, and that he was capable to success in the throne. He knew in that moment, that his therapist will be there to help him and supporting not only as his therapist, but also as a friend.