The National Review’s John O’Sullivan, who wrote speeches for Margaret Thatcher, gives great insight into the complaints from those who belittle Sarah Palin’s speech at the Republican National Convention was little more than reading from the teleprompter:

Speakers have to make speeches their own. They have to feel the sentiments and know the facts. After all, if they get something wrong, it will be quoted against them for years — these days on YouTube.

Even then the most sincere speaker may lack the skills to put across a good speech well. Matt Scully is a superb speechwriter, but his best work was sometimes awkwardly delivered.

Not this time.

I devised a small test while watching.

Matt has a slightly aggressive sense of mischief. How would Mrs. Palin deliver his mischievous thrusts? So whenever I heard a hint of Matt’s mischief in the words, I would check out the Governor’s expression.

Invariably there was a glint of mischief in her eyes.

Matt, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.