Taking his place on the podium, and with his eyes firmly on his audience, Premier Wen Jiabao delivered the opening remarks of his 31-page Government Work Report from memory.
He went on to read the rest of the text for 100 minutes, enunciating his words clearly, winning praise from the delegates.
Zhang Wei, a delegate from Liaoning, said: 'Premier Wen spoke mostly of the plan for the coming year. He has made the work report a planning document, not just a review of the past achievement.'
When Mr Wen clenched his fist and declared opposition to any form of separatist activity aimed at Taiwan independence, he was showered with prolonged applause.
His voice getting hoarse from the exertion, Mr Wen nonetheless kept a deliberate pace until the end.