Unlock your English learning potential with The King’s Speech (2010)—a heartwarming historical drama about overcoming personal struggles to lead with courage. Dive into this award-winning movie to learn practical English vocabulary related to psychology, speech therapy, royalty, and British history. This guide will help you expand your vocabulary while enjoying a masterpiece of cinema.

Watch the trailer on YouTube and explore the IMDB page for The King’s Speech for more context before diving into the vocabulary.

More Vocabulary Lists

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Psychology Vocabulary

• Anxiety /æŋˈzaɪ.ə.ti/
  Definition: A feeling of worry or nervousness about an uncertain outcome.
  Example: The King often felt anxiety before delivering public speeches.
• Therapy /ˈθɛr.ə.pi/
  Definition: Treatment intended to relieve or heal a physical or mental condition.
  Example: Logue uses unconventional therapy to help the King overcome his stammer.
• Trauma /ˈtrɔː.mə/
  Definition: Deep emotional stress caused by a disturbing experience.
  Example: The King’s childhood trauma contributed to his speech difficulties.
• Insecurity /ˌɪn.sɪˈkjʊr.ə.ti/
  Definition: A lack of confidence or self-assurance.
  Example: He worked hard to overcome his insecurity about public speaking.

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Speech Therapy Vocabulary

• Stammer /ˈstæm.ər/
  Definition: A speech disorder involving involuntary repetition or pauses.
  Example: The King’s stammer made it difficult for him to speak fluently.
• Enunciation /ɪˌnʌn.siˈeɪ.ʃən/
  Definition: The act of pronouncing words clearly and distinctly.
  Example: Logue encouraged the King to improve his enunciation through exercises.
• Articulation /ɑːˌtɪk.jəˈleɪ.ʃən/
  Definition: The clear and precise pronunciation of words.
  Example: Good articulation is vital for delivering an effective speech.
• Breathing Techniques /ˈbriː.ðɪŋ tɛkˈniːks/
  Definition: Methods of controlling breath to support speech.
  Example: Lionel Logue taught the King breathing techniques to manage his stammer.

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Royal Vocabulary

• Monarchy /ˈmɒn.ə.ki/
  Definition: A form of government with a monarch at the head.
  Example: The British monarchy is one of the oldest institutions in the world.
• Abdication /ˌæb.dɪˈkeɪ.ʃən/
  Definition: The act of giving up a position of power, especially a throne.
  Example: King Edward VIII’s abdication led to Bertie becoming King George VI.
• Crown /kraʊn/
  Definition: A symbol of royal authority or power.
  Example: King George VI wore the crown during his coronation.
• Consort /ˈkɒn.sɔːt/
  Definition: The spouse of a reigning monarch.
  Example: Queen Elizabeth, the King’s consort, supported him throughout his journey.

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Historical Vocabulary

• Coronation /ˌkɒr.əˈneɪ.ʃən/
  Definition: A ceremony to crown a new monarch.
  Example: The coronation of King George VI marked a significant moment in history.
• War Effort /ˈwɔːr ˌɛf.ɜːt/
  Definition: The collective effort of a nation to support a war.
  Example: The King’s speeches inspired the British war effort during World War II.
• Dictatorship /ˌdɪkˈteɪ.təʃɪp/
  Definition: A government ruled by a dictator with absolute power.
  Example: The King’s speeches were a beacon of hope against rising dictatorships in Europe.
• Broadcast /ˈbrɔːd.kæst/
  Definition: A transmission of information via radio or television.
  Example: The King delivered a historic broadcast to unite the nation during the war.

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Practical English Tips

• Watch the movie with subtitles to match the vocabulary with the dialogue.
• Practice saying the words out loud to improve your pronunciation.
• Discuss the movie with friends or in a study group to use the new vocabulary in context.