Cohen: How Julie Payette could redefine the Governor General's role

Julie Payette did something extraordinary after taking the oath as Governor General of Canada this week: She stood (rather than sat) in the well of the Senate, and she spoke (rather than read) her remarks. Without text or teleprompter, she just talked.
It was a performance. Her words were picked, cut and arranged like an autumn bouquet. To prompt herself,  she wrote key words on her fingers, like a Jesuit.
Her remarks never felt forced. She looked unhurried and unfazed, even faintly bemused