In an appearance at London's Royal Albert Hall, former US President Bill Clinton charmed his audience in a wide-ranging talk.
The first words uttered by Mr Clinton after he arrived on stage involved a brief anecdote.
He recalled coming to the Royal Albert Hall 37 years ago to see a gospel singer perform.
Within minutes it was clear that the reference, made as a gentle ice-breaker, pointed to some of the oratory influences of a man whose speech was coloured by the evangelical zeal of a preacher in the type of church where such music would be heard.
Flanked by two giant screens projecting his image as he spoke, the former leader - clad in dark suit, blue shirt and tie - touched on a range of subjects from climate change and global poverty to the unifying power of the internet while presenting his vision of political leadership in the 21st Century.
Addressing the issue of terrorism, he said it would never be possible to "kill, jail or occupy" all enemies. Instead he highlighted a need to create "a strategy to develop more partnerships and fewer terrorists".
"With regard to actual expensive military operations, I think by far the most important theatre anywhere in the world is Afghanistan where there is a modest, Muslim, properly-elected president," said Mr Clinton.
'Imperfect' UN
"I think it is important that the fight against terror secures a genuine Muslim democracy in Afghanistan and that we intensify the hunt for the leaders of al-Qaeda because they are still by far the most dangerous global network with global targets."
Addressing a hall two-thirds full with political enthusiasts who had paid up to £300 for a ticket, Mr Clinton appeared to speak without notes and peppered his talk with a flurry of statistics and examples from his time in office, while maintaining a conversational tone.
The former president was particularly passionate when talking about climate change - to which he made a number of references.
In a brief reference to his successor, the former president admitted that he had wanted the US to sign the Kyoto agreement, "not because it was perfect, but because we needed a treaty".
"If you join anything you won't agree with every decision that is made - from a marriage to an employment contract," he said, referring to the treaty pledging to reduce greenhouse gas emissions which President George W Bush's administration refused to sign.
And, in what appeared to be an oblique comment on his successor's approach to the United Nations, he admitted that the UN is "imperfect and flawed", before adding that it is "better than it was a decade ago".
"The world would be in worse shape without it," said Mr Clinton, who has worked extensively with the organisation since leaving office.
The former president ensured that his audience were not weighed down by the sombre subject matter by making regular quips to maintain a conversational tone.
He argued that much of the world now lives in democracy. "It doesn't guarantee a good government, but means you can vote out a bad one", he said with a husky chuckle that prompted an echo of laughter from his listeners.
And, later, he recalled how only his mother and wife had faith in his ability to ever become more than a state governor. "Even my daughter was undecided," he joked.
Mr Clinton's address, which lasted about 40 minutes, was followed by a question and answer session.
The exchange involved BBC sports presenter Dougie Donnelly posing pre-written questions and therefore meant ticket holders were not given the opportunity to attempt to catch Clinton out in front of hundreds of onlookers.
"I like Prime Minister Blair, I think he created here the same kind of politics that I tried to in America"
Nonetheless, his answers were illuminating and even more intimate and relaxed than his speech.
When asked who was the most impressive world leader with whom he had worked, Tony Blair received a mention, although Mr Clinton's strongest praise was for Nelson Mandela, Yitzhak Rabin and King Hussein of Jordan.
He singled out the former South African president as an "unbelievable human being" who became a "true, personal friend".
Mr Clinton said he admired Mr Mandela "because he lived without bitterness and was a truly free human being and because he became free when he was still in prison".
Where Mr Blair was concerned, he said: "I like Prime Minister Blair, I think he created here the same kind of politics that I tried to in America."
Mr Clinton's address, which prompted rapturous and prolonged applause as he left the stage, appeared to have impressed much of the audience.
"I'm sure he would've stood a good chance of being re-elected if the US system allowed three terms"
Glen Campbell, who runs a caravan business, and his wife, Cindy, each paid £150 for a ticket. They travelled from Preston to hear the former president speak - making it the focal point of a two-day visit to London.
"It was inspirational and worth every penny," said Mr Campbell, 41. "It makes you aware of the plight of a lot of people who are suffering in the world. It pricks your social conscience - if you have one."
Meanwhile, Suki Thompson, 39, from Buckinghamshire, said Clinton had "massive charisma".
"He made what he was talking about very accessible and didn't over-complicate things", said Ms Thompson, who is the managing director of a marketing company.
Similarly, Helena Nelson felt he "oozed intelligence and was very knowledgeable".
"He makes a real personal connection with people. I'm sure he would've stood a good chance of being re-elected if the US system allowed three terms."
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