Quote
“Speech is power: speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
“Speak properly, and in as few words as you can, but always plainly; for the end of speech is not ostentation, but to be understood.” William Penn
News
The film portraying the relationship between King George VI and the unorthodox Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue, who helped him overcome his stammer, won seven BAFTA awards this week. Writer David Seidler, who used to stutter as a boy, said it was remarkable that the dialogue-heavy film about “two men in a room” should have won such critical acclaim.
The film portraying the relationship between King George VI and the unorthodox Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue, who helped him overcome his stammer, won seven BAFTA awards this week. Writer David Seidler, who used to stutter as a boy, said it was remarkable that the dialogue-heavy film about “two men in a room” should have won such critical acclaim.
The growing relationship between the two characters illustrates the five essential factors for a strong and effective relationship: directness of communication is evident as the two men spent much time in face to face contact; continuity over time is ensured by their ability to reconcile after a major falling out; the breadth of knowledge of each other was enhanced by the King going to visit Logue in his home; there was parity in the relationship as they addressed each other by their first names, despite the immense difference in status; and lastly, there was a strong mutual purpose, in helping the King overcome his shyness and speech impediment.
The fruit of this relationship was that the King recovered his voice and self-confidence, helping him greatly to fulfil his duty as King and, through his radio speeches, provide a moral rallying point throughout the second world war.
There are many unsung heroes in public service, such as Lionel Logue. This film teaches us that the impact and effectiveness of individuals’ work can hinge greatly on their ability to form strong, enduring, mutually respectful relationships with the people they work with and for.
Read on...
For a more full account of the five dimensions of Relational Proximity developed by the Relationships Foundation, you can download a three page summary here.
Walk the talk
The film shows the transformation of the King’s life once he found his voice and was able to express himself more confidently. Is there someone in your workplace or neighbourhood who does not have a voice –because of a speech impediment perhaps, or because they have a low social status, or because they hardly speak English? Why not take a little time to stop and listen to such a person, and in so doing encourage them that although they don’t have much of a voice, they still have something worthwhile to say?
The last word
From the Bible, 1 Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example… in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
From the Bible, 1 Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example… in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.”
Friday Five is written by Jonathan Tame of Relationships Global www.relationshipsglobal.net
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