{"id":8766,"date":"2023-11-07T17:04:09","date_gmt":"2023-11-07T17:04:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.headlandconsultancy.com\/international\/?post_type=insight&p=8766"},"modified":"2023-11-07T17:28:48","modified_gmt":"2023-11-07T17:28:48","slug":"what-the-kings-speech-teaches-us-about-good-communication","status":"publish","type":"insight","link":"https:\/\/www.headlandconsultancy.com\/international\/insight\/what-the-kings-speech-teaches-us-about-good-communication\/","title":{"rendered":"What the King\u2019s Speech teaches us about good communication"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Steeped in tradition and surrounded by splendour, the King\u2019s speech is unlike any public speaking engagement most of us are likely to encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The monarch delivers the much-trailed address detailing the government\u2019s agenda<\/a> for a new parliamentary session wearing a crown and elaborate robes to an audience \u2013 summoned more than invited \u2013 hanging on his every word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blanket media coverage is guaranteed as King Charles reads the words written for him by the Prime Minister\u2019s aides, revealing the new policies likely to become law before the next election. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And tradition even dictates an elaborate measure to ensure he gets out alive \u2013 with an MP \u201cheld hostage\u201d in Buckingham Palace to guard against parliament turning on the monarch while he\u2019s seated in their midst.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The whole curious performance is an extravagant display of constitutional continuity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But at its heart is a speech – a man, albeit a King, talking out loud in a room full of people. And there\u2019s plenty we can learn from.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s all in the delivery<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With good reason, the King \u2013 and the Queen before him \u2013 lacked the emotion, emphasis or any variation of tone and pace on these occasions that any good speaker should have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the head of state, the monarch must be seen to be free of any personal point of view, much less a political persuasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The speech was delivered in a steady, neutral, dispassionate way. Efficient if you\u2019re simply imparting information but the wrong approach if you need to make an impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slowing down or quickening your pace for emphasis, showing enthusiasm, using gestures and moving around a little are all ways in which a good speaker can connect with their audience. Sitting largely motionless on a throne (or even a chair) should be avoided in any other setting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to length \u2013 less is more. If in doubt, keep it on the shorter side to avoid losing the room. At just under 20 minutes the King\u2019s speech got that just right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Content is King<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the performance and pageantry steal the show, the King\u2019s speech would be nothing without the substance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is essentially a long list of things the government wants to do \u2013 so the challenge for those writing it is to avoid it sounding like an incoherent mixed bag of new policies the Prime Minister hopes will win votes, and political loose ends of previous promises that need tying up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Landing your message early on is important \u2013 we heard a version of Rishi Sunak\u2019s new slogan with several mentions of \u201clong term decisions\u201d to change the country for the better. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bringing down inflation to ease the cost of living and improving the UK\u2019s energy supply were among the first things to be mentioned, with no doubt about the issues uppermost in voters\u2019 minds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Referencing recent events can help make a speech feel relevant and spark a connection with the audience. Hence the careful mentions of the war in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East and the continued impact of the Covid pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also \u2013 acknowledge the obvious. The significance of the first King\u2019s Speech of Charles\u2019s reign could not be overlooked and was addressed in his opening line paying tribute to the late Queen\u2019s \u201clegacy of service and devotion.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The mention of \u201cmy beloved mother\u201d was the only personal touch deemed appropriate on this state occasion. But in general, it\u2019s good to offer something of yourself and talk about your own experience, telling a short story is a very effective way to do this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Location, location, location<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tradition dictates the setting for the King\u2019s speech, and with gilded screens, plush carpets and elaborate wood panelling the House of Lords chamber could scarcely be grander.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That may seem fitting for the occasion we\u2019ve come to expect but some observers point out that such scenes of opulence and excess might be a bit of turn off to some \u2013 especially in times of financial hardship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a choice where to make your speech \u2013 pick a location that can help make an impact and adds to the sense of occasion but doesn\u2019t overshadow you and what you\u2019ve got to say.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look carefully while the King\u2019s talking and there\u2019s bound to be at least one distracted MP looking up at a gargoyle in the gallery or a colourful outfit that\u2019s caught their eye \u2013 the fewer distractions the better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And while we\u2019re thinking visually – spend a bit of time focusing on how you look and what you\u2019re going to wear as this will make an immediate impression on the audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being smart but comfortable is the aim, which probably rules out the Imperial State Crown \u2013 undoubtedly eye-catching but weighing in at just over 1kg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And finally\u2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ending is important \u2013 send the audience away with a reminder of your key message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We heard King Charles talk again about long term decisions and the importance of reducing inflation in the closing section of his address, reinforcing the government\u2019s main priorities.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether the speech tied all those policies together as a coherent vision which the Conservatives can sell to the electorate is for the pundits \u2013 and opposition parties – to pick over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But do end on a high if you can and strike a positive note. Unless like on this occasion, something more solemn is required\u2026 \u201cmay the blessing of almighty God rest on your counsels.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more <\/em>Insights & News<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Steeped in tradition and surrounded by splendour, the King\u2019s speech is unlike any public speaking engagement most of us are likely to encounter. The monarch delivers the much-trailed address detailing the government\u2019s agenda for a new parliamentary session wearing a crown and elaborate robes to an audience \u2013 summoned more than invited \u2013 hanging on […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":8776,"menu_order":0,"template":"","services":[28],"sectors":[],"class_list":["post-8766","insight","type-insight","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","services-leadership-coaching"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhat the King\u2019s Speech teaches us about good communication - Headland International<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Steeped in tradition and surrounded by splendour, the King\u2019s speech is unlike any public speaking engagement most of us are likely...\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What the King\u2019s Speech teaches us about good communication - 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