Although Annan is quite soft-spoken, he has proved be a capable and, at times, tough diplomat and administrator who strongly supports the idea that the UN and its secretary-general should act with independence when necessary. During a commencement speech at the Massachusetts Instiute of Technology (MIT). Annan told graduates that his years at MIT had given him " not only the analytical tools but also the intellectual confidence to be comfortable in seeking the help of colleagues, but not fearing. in the end. to do things my way