It’s time to talk about The King’s Speech (Disorder)
March 8, 2011 by Admin · Leave a Comment
Communication problems have long been a sensitive topic, with people rightfully concerned about the feelings of those involved. But a window opened for us with the release of The King’s Speech and the topic of stuttering as the central issue of the Academy Award winning movie. Let’s shed some light on this topic!
Speech professionals (and those who stutter) are profoundly grateful for the positive imagery and role models for the nearly 68 million people worldwide who grapple daily with the indignities of speech dysfluency, as it is known. Remember, there was a time when we had only Porky Pig as a role model!
As a therapist, I am so happy to see portrayed the perfect relationship between therapist and patient, an alliance built upon unbreakable trust, mutual respect and friendship.
On the down side, I believe that the movie seems to support a ‘psychological’ causation of stuttering. Modern research, however, shows that there is a consistent brain motor function - a physiological difference - associated with speech dysfluency, making it a disease just like any other.
For more information, search out the Stuttering Foundation of America on line. Lots of information there.
OR, if you’d like to actually discuss this issue with me, get a ticket to the Annual Distinguished Citizen Award Dinner of The Commonwealth Club, on Tuesday, March 15 at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. This year they are featuring “Table conversation with some of the Bay Area’s most interesting people”. I will be the hostess for a table devoted to The King’s Speech. For more information about the dinner please go to www.commonwealthclub.org/annualdinner/
And for more information about your speech concerns, seek out It’s the Way You Say It, Dr. Fleming’s new book about the communication needs of the general public.
The King’s Speech….and yours
January 3, 2011 by Admin · Leave a Comment
See that fine fellow above? Notice the epaulettes, the stripes and braid, the sword and medals. The dignity and confidence. Clearly, he is on top of his game. What could possibly ruffle him? I’ll tell you; speaking in public. King George VI was a stutterer. His concern about the stutter was debilitating and humiliating.
These are the two problems one has to deal with in any speech disorder. There is the actual speech problem itself, and then there is the array of feelings (misgivings, embarrassment, shame) that accompany it. Together, these two components can prevent many a person from
- adding their voice to the debate
- expressing their opinion
- seeking professional advancement
- speaking up for their rights
- singing in the great choir of life
Many, many people have concerns about the way they speak. People you know, like your buddy, your boss or the guy that fixes your appliances. If you hear something that draws attention to the way they talk you can be pretty sure that they will probably have some sensitive feelings about it. We want people to respond to what we say, not get distracted by how we say it.
There are trained professionals to help people in this situation – speech pathologists – who are in the best position to offer the best remedies available and that recognize and respect the feelings behind the speech.
There are people who believe that they are ‘stuck’ with their speech problem and don’t know that genuine help is available. Perhaps you are one such person. What a good New Year’s Resolution it would be to find yourself a speech pathologist and start working toward better speech.
The King did and so can you.
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"It's The Way You Say It"
is the first comprehensive guide for speech and voice improvement. Click here to purchase Dr. Fleming's book from Amazon. Network With Me
