Organized by: 

• United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)

• Conflux Center for Intercultural Dialogue and Mediation
  

About the Course

Effective communication is fundamental to successful diplomacy, specifically in times of crisis marked by high levels of uncertainty. 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”.

The course aims at strengthening the individual capacity of growth-oriented professionals working in a multilateral and intercultural 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 staff 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Experts:

• Ambassador Amr Aljowaily

• Ambassador Miloš Strugar, UN Senior Mediation Adviser

You can virtually meet Ambassador Miloš Strugar by listening to the new podcast “The Art of Mediation“