The ability to speak well in public was considered a good character trait (Proverbs 21:23; Proverbs 25:15).1 In this context, it most likely refers to his poetic ability; he sings as he plays the harp. In recommending David to Saul the unnamed servant has drawn attention to David’s family background (a brave man and a warrior), and now he affirms that David knows how to sing and has handsome features.
18 One of the young men answered, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite, who is skillful in playing, a man of valor, a man of war, prudent in speech, and a man of good presence, and the LORD is with him.”