The movie, The King's Speech, is based on the true story of King George VI of England. It detailed the process of how a reluctant Monarch with a speech impediment found his own true voice with the help of a remarkable speech therapist.
It is worth seeing not only because it has received wide acclaim, including 7 Golden Globe nominations (one won for best actors) and 12 Oscar nominations, but also because it connects with every one of us on a common theme: the struggle one faces, which for the king is stammer, on a deeper level, unconfidence, which every one could relate to in one occasion or another.
It takes great courage, faith, help, persistence and relentless practice to overcome one's predicament. When facing your own predicament, will you fight against it till you make it?
In the movie, you'll also see and learn how King George VI works diligently to gain control of his speaking voice with all kinds of exercises, some of which we mentioned several times in previous blog posts, breathing exercises, relaxation exercises, articulation exercises, pauses, etc. In this article, you are going to learn an exercise on relaxation, which is the foundation to freeing your voice and finding your true voice.
One of the most effective exercises to relax fully is through lying down. Find yourself a safe, warm and quiet place, and practice the following exercise.
1) Lie on your back with a cushion or yoga mat underneath. Make sure you are straight along the floor.
2) Move your head gently from side to side until it rests with ease. Look up to the ceiling then.
3) Release your jaw by mimicking chewing gums exaggeratedly several times. Release your lips and unclench your teeth.
4) Open your shoulders and rest your arms by your side.
5) Take a breath in and make sure your chest is still. Concentrate on your upper belly and see it rise and fall while you breathe.
6) Feel the spine expand across the floor. There will be a section of the spine that doesn't touch the ground but you should feel an expansion across the upper back which allows the ground to support more of you.
7) Lastly, place your concentration on the release of your thighs, your calf muscles and all the way to your feet.
8) Stay in this fully relaxation for a minimum of ten minutes.
You may feel uncomfortable. Compared to your day-to-day position in which you may hold tensions in your body, this natural position may make you feel aching in your neck, upper back, or shoulders. It will get better each time you do it. More importantly, you begin to identify tensions and physical warnings.
Cynthia is a voice and speech coach and trainer, based in Singapore. She helps you discover your inner true voice that is authentic and confident. She also helps organizations on voice and presentation skills training.
To get more updates on voice through articles, podcasts and video lessons, subscribe Cynthia's newsletter on her website - ConnectingtoSuccess.com ConnectingtoSuccess.com
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