I have known highly placed foreign officials, with deserved reputations for wisdom and ability, who were shockingly poor speakers at banquets.

They would hesitate and almost stammer, and would prove quite incapable of expressing their thoughts in any sensible or intelligent manner.

In this respect, personal observations have convinced me that Americans, as a rule, are better speakers than....

(I will not mention the nationality in my mind, it might give offense.) An American, who, without previous notice, is called upon to speak, generally acquits himself creditably.

He is nearly always witty, appreciative, and frank.