When It Feels Like Everyone's Watching

16 snips

Aug 25, 2025

Historian Adrian Phillips, author of works on British royalty during WWII, shares insights on King George VI's struggles with his stutter and public speaking. Seth Tichenor, a speech-language pathologist, discusses the emotional challenges faced by individuals with speech impediments in public roles. The conversation dives into the spotlight effect—how we overestimate others' scrutiny of our mistakes—highlighting that often, our blunders barely register with those around us. It's a blend of history and psychology that reminds us to embrace our imperfections.

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ANECDOTE

Wembley Humiliation Sparked Therapy

Lionel Logue described Albert's traumatic Wembley speech as a lasting scar that worsened his stammering anxiety.
Logue's diary frames the duke's humiliation and the start of focused therapy that rebuilt his confidence.

ANECDOTE

Therapy Focused On Breath And Confidence

Lionel Logue used breathing, relaxation, humor, and patience to help the Duke speak more fluently.
Their work produced real progress and rebuilt Albert's confidence during tours and public events.

INSIGHT

Calm Diction Over Perfection In Crisis

King George VI faced the highest pressure during wartime broadcasts where reassurance mattered more than perfect diction.
His calm delivery and decision to stay in London became symbols of steady leadership.

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We've all been there. Maybe you fumbled a line in a presentation. Or tripped on a shoelace. Or suffered a bad hair day. It can feel like the whole world is watching you—and judging you—in those embarrassing moments. But are people paying as much attention to you as you think?

In this episode of Choiceology with Katy Milkman, we explore why we tend to blow our own missteps out of proportion.

We go behind the scenes of some of the most consequential speeches of World War II. Speeches given by a man who was consumed with fear about how his stutter would be received by the public. Author and historian Adrian Phillips gives us new insights about King George VI's struggles with his diction and the effect his addresses had on the people of Great Britain during the darkest days of the war.

We also hear from Seth Tichenor, an assistant professor and program director at the Duquesne University Stuttering Clinic, who helps us understand what it's like to navigate a public role with a stutter.

Finally, Katy speaks with Cornell psychologist Tom Gilovich about how he and his fellow researchers demonstrated that—more often than not—our mistakes and foibles barely register with those around us.

Choiceology is an original podcast from Charles Schwab. For more on the show, visit schwab.com/podcast.

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