“Speechwriting and Public Speaking Skills for Multilateral Diplomacy” Virtual Course

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 “Speechwriting and Public Speaking 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 guide the participants in making the content of their speeches pertinent and engaging, and in giving the impression of spontaneity and confidence while delivering the message to their audience, drawing on the latest modern techniques in the art of writing and rhetoric (the skill of oration and persuasion). The participants will be able to identify areas they need to improve, and the mentors will provide feedback enabling the participants to make adjustments and advances.

By examining the essential professional qualities needed to sustain the world of multilateral diplomacy, participants will acquire 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 speechwriting and public speaking skills and 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 writing and 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.