Movie: The King's Speech
Release Date: 2010
Favorite Line: (Talking about Bertie's physicians) "Well, they're all idiots." "They've been knighted." "...Makes it official, then."
The King's Speech is still playing at your local movie house and if you have not seen it yet, GO SEE IT! TONIGHT! Clear your schedule and GO! This is one movie that you will not want to miss. It is one of those rare films that is funny, dramatic, touching, inspiring, and just all around amazing! I don't want to tell you too much more about it because I don't want to give anything away. But you will not regret going and seeing this movie.
(Oh, and don't let the R rating scare you away. It's R for language; which was limited to one scene, served a purpose, and was rather comical in nature. The movie could have done without it but still, the rest of the movie is so amazing that I barely remember it.)
So, unlike other movies, there isn't too much in this movie that corresponds to my life right now. I am not a British ruler destined to inspire and lead my people through one of the most trying times in history. (Especially not now that Prince Will has chosen another... *sigh* ;) ) But I suppose I could focus in on the speech aspect.
As I'm sure you already know (either because you actually know me or you read my sub-title) I compete in speech and debate. Basically, I wear black suits and heels, get up way too early on weekends, memorize multiple ten-minute written works to perform them for a panel of people whose only purpose of being there is to pick apart and criticize everything I say. (Obviously, impeccable grammar is not a needed skill for S&D.) But I love it.
I'll never forget how I was introduced to even the concept of competitive speaking. I was in a show at the local theatre in my eighth grade year. I knew a couple high schoolers and they said that, "I HAD to join Speech team." I had never heard of it before but I felt like they knew me well enough that they knew what they were talking about (plus all the counselors were practically shoving us into all the extra-curriculars we could fit into our schedules). So I went to the team orientation beginning of my freshman year. Four years later, I'm still competing.
Speech has always been there for me (that sounds rather strange but it's true). Even when I wasn't able to do other activities I enjoy (choir, theatre, etc.) I still maintained my speech. Speech has given me my best friends, there is no denying it. In fact, some of the people that I miss most from my old town I only knew for a few months on my Speech team. Here in Little Rock, I definitely consider my Speech friends to be my best friends. We always have such a good time together.
I've definitely come a long way since that first team orientation. I'm competing in debate now (something I tried to fight off as long as I could. ;) ) and I'm even doing Extemp. Though the majority of my speeches this year are Interps (a herald back to my theatre days), I can't believe that I actually enjoy doing platforms. Speech has caused me to grow and change in ways I never expected to.
Also, through Speech I know I have met several of the future leaders of the world. There is no way that these young people, who were already talented but now know how to speak with great conviction, won't make a HUGE impact on the world. I'm excited to see what's going to happen in the next 10 years as we are released into the world.
So that's my (not-so) little plug for Speech and Debate. I hope to be able to continue it in college...and afterwards, there's always Toastmasters. :P Go see The King's Speech and, if you ever get the chance, compete in Speech and Debate. You will not regret it either way.
Until tomorrow, stay awesome!
~Kate
