Aims

English is the lingua franca of international relations. The ability to chair meetings, to negotiate, to carry out diplomacy or simply to understand and persuade is an essential tool for diplomats, civil servants, legislators and members of international delegations. This course will enable you to take part in meetings, discussions, debates, working parties and information exchanges with confidence, fluency and credibility.

Knowledge into Language

The course allows public servants and government officials to draw on their professional experience and knowledge in order to communicate fluently and accurately in English. Using selective and controlled input of topic material and language, participants are invited to participate in structured discussion, role-plays, presentations and case studies to develop confidence, fluency and accuracy.

Topics

  • Understanding the international context and norms of global diplomacy
  • Communicating effectively in complex, high-stakes negotiations
  • Setting up, chairing and overseeing meetings
  • Operating through formal and informal channels
  • Conflict resolution
  • Socialising in informal and semi-formal settings
  • Understanding your cross-cultural audience

Language development

  • Grammar, vocabulary and operational language for meetings, negotiations and presentations
  • Understanding varieties and accents of English
  • Accent and fluency clinic
  • Hesitating, agreeing and disagreeing, establishing red lines, compromising, standing firm, dealing with questions and handling hostility

Case study

Detailed analysis and role-play of a case study involving a complex international negotiation

Benefits

  • Increased credibility, authority and self-esteem
  • Increased fluency, comprehension and accuracy in International communication
  • Clearer and more concise reports and documentation
  • Increased confidence when dealing with international counterparts
  • Benchmarking your language skills against counterparts in your field

Who Is It For?

  • Diplomatic, NGO and IGO personnel
  • Central and local government officers
  • International agency staff
  • International working parties and fact-finding delegations

Length

Parts I and II; 30 or 60 contact hours intensive or extensive, residential or on-site