After King George V makes his 1934 Christmas radio address, he explains to his son the importance of broadcasting to a modern monarchy. He declares that "David" (Edward, Prince of Wales), Albert's older brother and the heir to the throne, will bring ruin to himself, the family, and the country when he accedes to the throne- leaving continental Europe to the mercy of Nazi Germany and Communist Russia. King George demands that Albert train himself, starting with a reading of his father's speech. He makes an agonising attempt to do so.
Later, the Duke plays Logue's recording and hears himself unhesitatingly reciting Shakespeare. He decides to return to Logue, where he and his wife both insist that Logue focus only on physical exercises. Logue teaches his patient muscle relaxation and breath control techniques but continues to probe gently and persistently at the psychological roots of the stutter. The Duke eventually reveals some of the pressures of his childhood, and the two men start to become friends.