Coaching Lessons from ‘The Kings Speech’

If the movie ‘The Kings Speech’ doesn’t win a bucket load of Oscar’s then there really is no justice. It’s a great piece of film making; full of wit, charm and wisdom. The fact that it’s based on a piece of documented history makes it all the more interesting and enjoyable. From my point of view as a professional coach it is much more than just a great piece of entertainment; it’s a demonstration of what effective coaching can do for someone who doesn’t think anyone, or anything, can help with a problem that seems insurmountable.

If you haven’t seen it yet then you should, not simply because it’s a really good film, but because it might just change your life: It tells the tale of Albert, Duke of York who suffered from a severe stammer, thus making it difficult for him to speak publicly. In an attempt to overcome this impediment he seeks help, eventually finding a speech therapist (a coach); someone very different from the physicians he’s seen up until then.

Eventually his brother Edward takes the Throne and then promptly abdicates to be with the infamous Mrs Wallace Simpson, leaving his brother Albert to become King. All of this happens of course just as war breaks out, thus requiring the now King George (Albert being perceived as far too Germanic to use), to make a stirring radio speech to the nation and the empire.

Beautifully portrayed by actor Colin Firth, the Duke of York displays all the frustration and defeatism many coaches will instantly recognise. Having no other references than his own experience, this client cannot comprehend a life without his challenging behaviour. He has developed such certainty that ‘nothing can be done’ that he baulks at the idea of even trying, and becomes angry with any person having the audacity to pretend that anything could be otherwise.

His antagonistic and aggressive behaviour makes him appear bad tempered and prone to outbursts of temper and intolerance. He is however simply demonstrating that all behaviour is driven by emotion; in this case the pent up emotion of confusion and frustration. The Duke of York is portrayed as being essentially a ‘nice man’ but afflicted with a stammer; and this stammer is the cause of his negative emotional outbursts.

However nothing could be further from the truth. In fact the negative emotions are the true cause of the problem; they are then manifested as his speech impediment. It is the emotion causing the problem and not vice versa.

However all the advice he receives is to the contrary, and all the medical expert’s efforts are to no avail. That is until he meets a coach. Speech therapist Lionel Logue knew from experience that the mechanics of the problem were one thing but its cause was another entirely. This distinction was the foundation of his future success.

‘The King’s Speech’ and Coaching

‘The King’s Speech’ is the best advert yet that I’ve seen for coaching. I don’t think anyone could watch that movie and both remain unmoved or unconvinced that there exist coaches who can help people change even the most difficult issues. In thi instance it’s a vocal coach specialising in speech therapy; yet he makes it clear from the outset that there are two aspects to achieving the desired change: The first is the mechanical, and the second, and far more important, is that of motivation and belief. Without tackling the latter, the former is at best a sticking plaster, and at worst, a waste of time.

Lionel Logue is the real hero of the film. It is that he recognises the true potential for great change and only he who keeps the faith even when his client doubts it. Of course it’s not Lionel that has to make the change. It is Albert who has to work like blazes to apply what he learns.

Lionel may be presented as a therapist but he is really a personal development coach: He established with the client a set of personal goals and then applied his craft to support the client in making them happen. Here are just some examples of how any coach might instantly recognise what Lionel was doing as a great example of coaching:

Reflection
At the heart of every coaching assignment is the need for the client to reflect both on their existing circumstances and the future. Asking the question ‘what do you want, and why do you want it’ may not always be phrased as bluntly, but it will always be asked.

Process
Coaching is a journey and not a training class of content. One coach can easily spot another when they pay less attention to what needs to be said and more to where what they are saying is taking them.

Transparency
A simple outcome that transforms one set of circumstances into another is the hallmark of a coaching assignment. There are no hidden agendas or unspoken alternative outcomes; just the clarity and transparency of a shared goal.

Self Exploration
When being mentored one is expected to learn, when being assisted by a physician one is expected to listen, but when being coached one is expected to explore. A coach draws from the client the ‘what ifs’ and the possibilities of change; and by doing so begins to form the foundations of a new and more positive belief.

Questioning
Coaches rarely make pronouncements or statements but instead will ask a question; often a very probing question. Their purpose being to draw from the client the means by which, change can be achieved. A coach lacks the arrogance or the ignorance because he or she already knows they don’t have the answers. Answers are the sole domain of the person to whom the questions need to be asked.

Problem avoidance
Consultants do their best to provide solutions and solve problems whereas a coach will do their best to avoid the problem all together. A coach knows that it is not necessary to always kill the dragon if all you want to do is cross the moat.

Momentum
Coaches use terms that indicate movement and progression. A coach is well aware that no problem is ever truly overcome completely, but that as long as the client continues to move away from their issue, it need not ever manifest again.

Discovery
Not only is a client encouraged to self-explore but a coach too will discover new ways to be an even better coach with every client they work with. A coach is open to such discovery and as such sets themselves apart from those who purport to already know all there is to know.

Unconscious
Knowing what to do and doing it are not always comfortable bedfellows; a coach doesn’t rely on conscious awareness but will help provide unconscious triggers. By imagining themselves in the position of the client and using their detailed knowledge of that person, a good coach will bring ways of achieving change to the surface; going where no ordinary conscious activity might go.

Actions
What makes a coaching session truly effective is the continuation of the session beyond the immediate connection between client and coach. This is achieved by the client taking agreed actions between sessions that have been designed to help keep in mind the cumulative progress made.

If you have seen the film then you will have recognised Lionel as a coach by all of the above. From his initial questions to reflect on need; clarification of the approach he was to take and the goals they might achieve; deeper than anticipated questions from the outset and a focus always on the goal; an acceptance that change might take a while and would be controlled by the pace of discovery by Albert; then latterly an awareness of the specific thinking Albert was using to get him through a sentence, and the utilization of those thoughts to achieve a result. Truly an outstanding coaching job!

Copyright 2011,Martin Goodyer a friend and colleague www.BusinessCorporateandExecutiveCoaching.Com