Background
Effective communication is fundamental to successful diplomacy, specifically in times of crisis marked by high levels of uncertainty. Delivering one’s message is key to work together efficiently and to overcome challenges at both the individual and organisational level.
The Division for Multilateral Diplomacy of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and Conflux Center for Intercultural Dialogue and Mediation have designed and developed the virtual training course “Public Speaking and Speechwriting Skills for Multilateral Diplomacy: Cases & Insights from the United Nations” for professionals to better structure their approach to their own professional style, build resilience, and be self-motivated during these times of ambiguity.
Overall Goal
The aim of the virtual course is to identify areas participants need to improve, in order to give the impression of spontaneity and confidence while delivering their message to an audience as well as how to make the content of their speeches and reports pertinent and highly engaging. Drawing on the latest modern techniques in the ancient art of rhetoric (the skill of oration and persuasion) and writing, the trainers provide the participants with feedback enabling them to make immediate adjustments and improvements during the training at a behavioural, rather than simply at a theoretical, level.
By examining the essential professional qualities needed to sustain the world of multilateral diplomacy, participants will be enabled to further improve their high-level public speaking and speechwriting competences. The ultimate objective is to strengthen the individual’s resilience under uncertainty, and to enable them to work efficiently during these challenging times.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Apply public speaking, presentation, and speechwriting techniques, including preparation, structure, and delivery in face-to-face and online formats;
- Acquire essential principles of the art and craft of speechwriting and delivering speeches;
- Identify personal strengths and weaknesses as speakers and writers;
- Develop their personal presentation style and tailor it to respective audiences;
- Demonstrate the ability to use voice and words to effect when giving speeches or presentations: wording, diction, intonation, rhythm, and pacing;
- Implement acquired tools for combating public speaking anxiety.
Target Audience
The virtual course aims at strengthening the individual capacity of growth-oriented professionals working in a multilateral diplomatic professional environment, who are or aim to be in high-level roles requiring pivotal professional skills in public speaking and speechwriting.
Specifically, this course is designed for mid to senior level sta ff in peacekeeping and political missions of the UN and regional organisations (AU, OSCE, EU, etc.), diplomats, those working in governments, non-governmental organisations, and academic institutions.
Content and Structure
The virtual course will take place over a period of four days, from 28 June — 1 July 2021 via the online platform Zoom. The participants will learn from experts who will cover essential principles of speechwriting and public speaking. The training will consist of lectures and facilitated discussions by senior experts and practitioners in the field, and the activities are devised to be highly interactive through discussions, Q&A sessions, group work, role-play and hands-on exercises and assignments. A virtual space will be provided for group discussions and best practices and experience sharing among the participants under the guidance of the senior mentors. The course will also focus on practical exercises using audio and video media.
Upon completion of the course, certificates of participation comprising official logos of Conflux Center and UNITAR will be issued in PDF, and a hard copy can be sent via post upon request.
The specified times are in accordance with CEST (Central European Summer Time) / UTC+2
(Coordinated Universal Time) time zone.
For the detailed Course Program, please follow this link: https://www.confluxcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Course_Program_%E2%80%93_Public_Speaking_and_Speechwriting_Skills_for_Multilateral.pdf
For further UNITAR Online Courses on similar topics, kindly click on the following link: https://www.diplomacy.unitar.org/upcoming-trainings-and-events
Technical Requirements
In order to join the virtual training, all attendees should have access to the internet and a personal computer or laptop, with an operational camera and microphone (external or internal). A stable internet connection is essential in order to minimize the chances of stutter or disconnection. It is advisable that the participants download the Zoom application that is free of charge. It is also possible to join a meeting directly from a web browser, but the meeting experience and available features are limited. The participants will receive all necessary information on how to use Zoom prior to the start of the course.
How to register:
Registration is open until 21 June 2021 and can be done via the following link:
Upon online registration, participants will receive an invoice, pre-course video and reading materials, as well as information on how to use Zoom. The pre-course materials will also be available on Conflux Center’s website.
In case of any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Lea Kostler at UNITAR (lea.kostler@unitar.org).