The King's Speech

One of my favorite movies is The King's Speech (the edited version).

It's about George VI as he learns to overcome his speech impediment while preparing to be the new king. King George (Bertie) stammers whenever he speaks, especially when speaking in public. Lionel Logue is his speech therapist and uses unconventional, albeit effective approaches. If you haven't seen it, you're missing out. The movie has a ton of awesome quotes...(let the quoting commence)

Lionel Logue: You don't need to be afraid of things you were afraid of when you were five.

King George VI: If I'm King, where's my power? Can I form a government? Can I levy a tax, declare a war? No! And yet I am the seat of all authority. Why? Because the nation believes that when I speak, I speak for them. But I can't speak.

Queen Elizabeth: My husband’s work involves a great deal of public speaking.
Lionel Logue: Then he should change jobs.
Queen Elizabeth: He can’t.
Lionel Logue: What is he, an indentured servant?
Queen Elizabeth: Something like that

King George VI: By divine right, if you must. I am your king!
Lionel Logue: No, you're not. You just told me you didn't want it.
King George VI: L-listen to me...
Lionel Logue: Why should I waste my time listening to you?
King George VI: Because I have a voice!
Lionel Logue: [pause] Yes, you do.

Lionel Logue: You still stammered on the 'W'.
King George VI: Well I had to throw in a few so they knew it was me.

I really like the last two, because they're about finding your voice. Even when you've learned methods of writing well and effectively, you always have to keep your voice in your writing. Otherwise, you might as well be writing a textbook. And not just any textbook--one without pictures. The history book in the library that has a layer of dust on it.

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