The King's Speech

Although not a business presentation, King Charles III’s first address after Queen Elizabeth’s passing teaches communication lessons. His objectives are to pay deep respects to his mother, while reassuring the British citizens (and the world) by establishing his leadership.

Although, news reports show people “shocked” by the Queen’s death, this time was inevitable, and The King had plenty of time to prepare. He tackles difficult subjects, for example, the family split, in expected fashion—by alluding to them without addressing them directly. Another example is the extraordinary inflation that Britain has suffered. He mentioned “charities and issues for which I care so deeply” that will now be taken up by the new Prince of Wales.

The Guardian identifies a few examples of “expressions of open emotion.” One was “I want also to express my love for Harry and Meghan as they continue to build their lives overseas.” The couple’s leaving royal life after experiencing racist comments from the family has been painful and a public scandal. Other examples follow, as The Guardian reports:

“I count on the loving help of my darling wife, Camilla” and finished with an emotional sign off to his “darling Mama” when he wished: “May ‘flights of angels sing thee to thy rest’,” a quote from the ending of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.

From an American perspective—and other cultures—the speech may be considered flat. He is sitting and reading from a script, and his pace is slow and deliberate. But the speech is certainly appropriate for the difficult situation that the King faces, just one day after a new Prime Minister shook hands with the beloved Queen.