Hers was a voice of sublime confidence, delivered by someone sure of her power and purpose.
In the first television debate of the election campaign on 15 April, he oozed confidence, delivering promises of change.
Its limitations accounted for the failure of nerve, and the resounding vote of no confidence delivered worldwide.
Mr. Geithner, gaining some confidence, delivered his remarks in simple sentences using a teleprompter, suggesting the importance of communicating a complex issue both to markets and to taxpayers who are reluctantly financing the bailout.
It was not quite the vote of no confidence delivered by Senator Carl Levin of Michigan, the Democratic chairman of the Armed Services Committee, who on Monday said Mr. Maliki should quit.
Worried about losing market share to online retailers, and the twin hits to consumer confidence delivered by the recession and Sept. 11, stores across the nation heavily discounted their goods throughout this year's holiday season, building on a break from tradition that first became apparent last year.
Staunton concluded that Gabriel had displayed "a masterful confidence, delivering a satisfyingly unified whole".
The lyrics of "Bravado" address the idea "of false confidence delivering real confidence" and of Lorde stepping into a line of work where, she said, "everyone would be watching me, and everyone would want to talk to me and confront me".
John McCormick, electoral commissioner for Scotland, said: "The people of Scotland face a historic decision and the referendum must take place in a way that is transparent, open to scrutiny, gives voters confidence and delivers a result accepted by all.
We have a strong presence in our communities, working locally, building trust and confidence, and delivering early intervention and prevention programs.
