King George VI had a speech impediment. In fact, he had quite a bad stutter. It was vital he overcame this issue because he was speaking during a time when he needed to muster up the resolve of his people. It was symbolic that he was able to overcome the impediment as it symbolized how England could overcome anything, as well. And, because the speech was given directly after England’s declaration of war against Germany, this was vitally important. It was extremely difficult for him to overcome the impediment, and England was in no position to win a war; thus, the odds being faced in all regards involving this speech were quite daunting.