Building Leadership Confidence and 'The King's Speech'

Written by Barbara VanLandingham Pettway Tuesday, April 05 2011

I just watched the Oscar-winning movie The King's Speech for the second time. I was as fascinated with the second viewing as with the first.

What so captivated me wasn't the superb acting or the glimpse into the finely written emotional story behind a moment of history – although both were powerful. Instead, what drew me was the opportunity to watch a transformation on the big screen I have been privileged to witness in person hundreds of times in almost 30 years of coaching people to communicate as strong leaders.

It is pure joy to see a determined individual work successfully to change communications patterns that don't reflect who she is and what she is capable of. This was the story of Great Britain's King George VI (Bertie), played by Colin Firth inThe King's Speech.

The last thought shared by Bertie's father, George V, on his deathbed was that Bertie had more guts than all his brothers put together. But because of his speech difficulties as a stutterer, Bertie's inner strength and moral resolve couldn't be recognized by others. He did not project leadership. And even more importantly, Bertie himself couldn't envision being in charge.

His ascension to the throne came as Hitler rose to power and World War II began. He poignantly wept after his older brother, Edward VIII, abdicated the throne. Bertie sobbed, "I am no king. I am no king."

Anyone who's ever spoken publicly understands how speaking can be a daunting aspect of leadership responsibility. It is, however, a crucial aspect. Bertie recognized his responsibilities as a monarch, and out of necessity, he developed the desire to inspire the people.

The process of learning to speak with confidence takes courage. It also requires a willingness to look at yourself on two levels. The first is openness to exploring new choices in how you use yourself – your voice, your body, and your awareness of your listeners.

The second is openness to looking at long-held beliefs that may be interfering with your effectiveness. Time and again, I've observed that when people embrace both these aspects of their spoken communications, they can soar to new levels of inner strength that go far beyond how they express their thoughts.

In the movie, Geoffrey Rush plays Bertie's speaking coach, Lionel Logue. Lionel's office becomes a safe environment where Bertie can talk openly about the issues he faces whenever speaking, in important private conversations as well as in public.

As their relationship progresses and Bertie increasingly opens up in his coaching sessions, he realizes that his fears with speaking parallel his concerns about how to be the leader he needs to be. As he learns to express himself more powerfully and with greater command, he becomes a king from the inside out.

History tells us the rest: King George VI led Great Britain through a period of great uncertainty and sacrifice for its citizens, and he became a much beloved monarch.

If you are in a leadership position or aspire to be in one, The King's Speech is a must-see. It is the opportunity to travel the journey of how a leader finds his voice and changes his impact on others forever.

Tools for Finding Your Own Voice

1. Own your Fears. If you find yourself nervous before a meeting or presentation, ask yourself what’s driving your anxiety. Often fears are based on early learned messages – an overly critical parent, a family value demanding absolute perfection, a pattern of being laughed at by older siblings. Once you identify where your fear is coming from, you may realize your worry is not a realistic one today.
   
   
2. Own your Expertise. Trust your understanding of the subject you’re addressing. Remember you’ve been asked to talk with your listeners because of what you know – not what you don’t know.
   
   
3. Own your Authenticity. Don’t get tied up thinking you have to turn into someone else to effectively communicate. Be real and conversational. Whether you’re speaking to one or 100, just talk with them.
   
   
4. Own your Time. Many people think they have to have words constantly coming out of their mouths in order to sound knowledgeable. On the contrary, you sound confident when you’re not rushing and tripping over your words as if you’re afraid someone won’t let you finish.
   
   
5. Own your Silence. A pause is the single most powerful tool you can use when speaking. It gives you time to gather your thoughts and articulate your ideas accurately and fully. It also gives your listeners time to absorb your ideas. Pausing is not just OK; it’s a crucial tool for projecting presence.
   
   
6. Own your Outcome. Before attending any meeting or presentation, get clear on what you want your listeners to do as a result of your time together. Accept your recommendation? Be assured the project is progressing on time and on budget? Donate time or money to your favorite nonprofit? Don’t assume they’ll understand what you want from them. State it clearly.

Barbara VanLandingham Pettway helps people become better communicators. With 30 years of diverse experience in business communications, she has worked with hundreds of talented executives across the country in a variety of industries.

In one-on-one coaching sessions, she provides candid, constructive feedback on how someone comes across to others – feedback that is often difficult to obtain in the workplace. Whether speaking to one person across a desk, three people at a table, or 300 in a room, clients learn how to communicate with presence, confidence, sensitivity, and comfort.