Diplomatic talks are conversations between state leaders to advance their interests, resolve conflict and prevent war. They often lead to diplomatic agreements, the most formal of which is a treaty. Successful negotiations in this field require intense and complex engagement that involves many players including diplomats, other government officials, parliamentarians, representatives of professional groups and civil society, military leaders and ordinary citizens.
Diplomats must understand the domestic politics of their interlocutors to better negotiate with them. They must be able to recognize and anticipate their interlocutors’ interests, values and beliefs as well as their hot buttons. They must communicate with a calm and respectful tone, avoid sarcasm and condescension that could be misinterpreted as hostile or defensive, and develop rapport and trust. They must fully listen to their counterparts, empathetically understanding their perspectives even when they disagree. They must also be careful to ensure that their facial expressions and body language align with their words to avoid offence or misunderstanding.
Great diplomats know how to pass on the results of their meetings in a usable format so that policymakers can understand the discussion outcomes and options. They write and deliver a concise memo to their superiors by nightfall, or within a day at the most if the meeting is time-sensitive, and they brief senior policymakers in detail on what happened. They meet with every key stakeholder in their host country, turning work and social activities into valuable diplomatic engagements.