Chapter 2 of How to win friends and influence people use the film The King’s Speech as example how important it is that we give recognition to people in the right way.

Prince Albert the Duke of York, preparing to be sworn in as king, had a big problem when it came to public speaking and did not have the composure or courage at the time to speak in front of the British public. What made it even more challenging was the fact that Britain found itself at the brink of war and a strong leader was required to take the country forward.

Prince Albert, or Bertie as his family called him, was in desperate need of professional speech therapy. He eventually met with Lionel Logue, an Australian-born speech therapist. Lionel’s ways were in no way conventional which caused Bertie to be highly sceptical of whether he would ever be able to speak in front of the British public.

As Bertie’s frustration builds up, he one day snaps and let loose on how he is scared that he will become the laughing stock of the nation and the worst king to sit on the thrown in the history of Britain. Lionel being very calmed responded: “Bertie, you are the bravest man that I know.”

This turned out to be the 9 words that Bertie needed to become, as some suggests, one of the greatest kings in the history of Britain.

Leaders need to have a very good understanding of the personalities and abilities of the people around them.

A few words can change someone’s view about themselves which can instigate growth and a determination to succeed. Affirming what is good in others has the power to uplift an environment and install confidence and courage in people. We all have the big desire to know that we are valued by society. We need to hear sometimes from other people that we matter. Yet, sometimes we find it very difficult to give that recognition.

Being able to give recognition to others is a gift with endless consequences. Samuel Adams one of the founding fathers of the United States said the following: “It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people’s minds.

We need to learn the art of giving recognition to those around us. We need to find those 9 unique words that might just set brush fires in someone’s mind.