Question What does the film, "The King's Speech," have to say about voice and articulation? Response "The King's Speech" is an Academy Award winning movie based on the life of the Duke of York, who struggled with a severe speech impediment. He could hardly get a word out his it was so bad. Ashamed Bertie, after visiting numerous speech therapists, he left hopeless. He was sure no one could cure him. With his wife's persistence, he went to see another therapist, Lionel Logue, who came highly recommended, and whom his wife said had "unethical  methods of teaching. I was totally touched and inspired with this story. A prince, turned king, overcame something he struggled with his whole life by perseverance, hard work, dedication and friendship. The story takes place in London, and focuses around a royal family who are clearly among the upper class. They lived in huge palaces, wore lavish clothing and drove expensive cars. A British accent is the only accent I could recognize in the movie. It wasn't until later that I learned the speech therapist, Lionel Logue, was Australian. I couldn't pick that up. I assume that because he has lived in London for so long, he picked up on the British accent. To me, a British accent is very distinguished. I know it when I hear it and it's very easy for me to understand. I actually find the accent quite pleasing to hear. It flows freely and harmonious. Bertie, as his family called him, eventually became King George VI of England, after the death of his father, and abdication of his brother. As King, it was most important that Bertie speak coherently to the public. How else could a King communicate with his public elsewise? Bertie practiced and practiced, five days per week with Lionel. They focused on breathing exercises and muscle relaxation. Lionel also delved into Bertie's past to understand and figure out the psychological reason behind his stammer. Lionel said, "no infant is born with a stammer.