“Shhhhh…”

She watched as he addressed the reporters asking him questions. His uniform was pristine; his posture and hand gestures were perfect. She was very proud of him. When it was her turn to speak, she was equally poised. But then she heard something that slightly sounded like…is that…laughter?! He was laughing and joking…during her interview. As she concluded her interview, she looked around for him. He and his Aide were leaving. She smiled to herself. Later that day everyone was gathered at the Castle to set up for the Ball later that evening. She headed up to her room to get settled in. As she left her room, she saw him with his Aide. He smiled and greeted her, casually and appropriately. The Aide as well. As she walked past them, she whispered, “Cinquanta.” (The Italian word for “fifty.”) He paused for a moment, then slightly bowed his head in acknowledgement. During the Social Hour, she watched him. He positioned himself in her line of of sight, moving around if anyone blocked him. He was noticeably uncomfortable to her. She heard his Aide telling some people that he was conserving his voice for the Ceremony during the Ball. Clever boy, she thought to herself. He spoke to the people who couldn’t be rebuffed, such as dignitaries, etc. She could see he was doing what she was doing…counting. Because he knew that if he exceeded her command, there would be even worse consequences for him. After all, she was putting him through this to make certain that he knew better than to be loud and boisterous during her interviews again.

Limiting his words was a struggle for him. She could see how it affected him. But he needed to learn a lesson about when to socialize and when to shut his damn mouth and be more considerate of her. She got him back on mission. He may be a powerful man…but he’s also her toy soldier who needs to remember his place. The beauty of her chosen correction is that no one else was aware. It didn’t affect anyone else but him. No one else knew his heart was pounding, he had goosebumps and he was flexing his toes in his shoes to keep his composure. As the Announcement for everyone to head to their seats was made, she raised her glass to him and smiled. His count was 39. Well below the 50 word limit she gave him. Well done.

Heyyy, y’all! Let’s talk about Speech Restrictions, shall we? It is EXACTLY what it sounds like it is. A Dominant limiting or restricting a submissive’s speech. Yeah…there are MANY of you who will read that and say, “HELL no!” and that’s perfectly fine. During this girl’s Training, Domina restricted her to 150 words per day in Social Situations. It. Was. AGONY. Keeping count, figuring out when and how to use her limited words, trying not to show how freaked out she was, etc. But the things this girl learned about herself during the experience are beyond measure.
Some ways that Speech Restrictions take place are…

*Some Dominants might insist their partners are totally silent.

*Some Dominants allow forming sounds but not words.

*Some dominants restrict the speech patterns of their submissives.

*Some Dominants require their submissives to use only a limited vocabulary or set a specific number of words spoken.

All can be quite effective when used under the right conditions according to their particular dynamic(s).

Speech restriction may be a part of play during a scene or outside it. For example, submissives may never be able to speak at parties or they may need to ask permission before speaking at social gatherings. Dominants may occasionally choose to restrict a submissive’s speech or whenever certain circumstances or situations arise. It can also be helpful to increase focus and sharpen Active Listening skills as well.

Speech is an important method of Communication for us. So having this function restricted or removed can be frustrating and even demoralizing. For this reason, Speech Restrictions may be used to punish, humiliate, or reinforce power roles within a BDSM relationship by getting everyone back on mission so to speak.

Submissives during Speech Restrictions may feel helpless, vulnerable, and even “more submissive.” This may even help them reach subspace, or enter this phase faster or more deeply than other submissives. Some submissives may enjoy the feelings that come with Speech Restrictions while for others the experience may be absolutely overwhelming. Reactions to Speech Restrictions are very likely to be linked to the degree/type of restriction placed on submissives.

Time for The Pillars, y’all!

COMMUNICATION. Speech Restrictions are definitely something that is a likely topic during Vetting. Also, talk about it before, during and after Restrictions take place. So talk it through whenever possible.

RESPECT. While some of us may see this as an opportunity to test boundaries, be careful with that. After all…if the purpose is to correct behavior, it will get WORSE before it gets better. Just sayin’.

HONESTY. If it’s not your thing, SAY THAT! If you tried it and hated it, SPEAK UP! If you’re curious and would like to try it, SAY THAT! If it’s a part of your dynamic(s), be up front and transparent about WHY it’s happening in the first place. Just be honest about it, hell.

TRUST. Without unshakable trust, not being able to speak/communicate can be an absolute nightmare. The purpose of Speech Restrictions will be lost in the feelings of betrayal and despair. So work extra hard to build and maintain trust.

Thank you for reading.

~ His Duchess