The Kings Speech & its’ unique relationship to the Alexander Technique.

As an Alexander Technique teacher, I simply can’t help blogging about the film, The Kings Speech. I’m not sure if it is because the work of good old lionel was so relevant to my own work or that perhaps because working with people in this way is so inspirational. We can’t all expect to work with such haughty types as the King, but in many ways, it doesn’t matter who you work with. What really stands out as important is the element of transformation. When somebody turns up on the doorstep with a genuine need, a real problem it becomes so personal. Working one-to-one with no-one else around we can really get down to some very deep and meaningful work. Work that really matters. In most peoples lives there is one thing (or more) that really gets in the way of living life to the full. In the King’s case, it is the stutter. When people watch this film it isn’t really the stutter that resonates but the way in which something hinders our lives. The question becomes about what we can do to change that ball and chain we all know we have. And there lies the really interesting thing about the Kings speech. What is available to us that will really work. The scene with the marbles in his mouth both shocked and appalled because this man was obviously earning his living using not only antiquated methods but ones that don’t really work. In my line of business as an Alexander Teacher, I meet many people who have ‘tried everything’, much like the King in this film. I meet an awful lot of people who turn up really not expecting any results and they say things like, ‘I’ll try anything really’. Which leaves you with a feeling of being really put on the spot. A sort of well sorry about that I’ll see what I can do.