Diplomatic etiquette: types and rules

The concept of a diplomatic protocol includes a set of certain norms and rules of behavior that are spelled out specifically for international relations at the highest level. At the same time, they should be adhered to in the circle of business partners, colleagues at work and business. In diplomacy, the observance of etiquette is of particular importance.

On TV screens and on the Internet, we can observe how, at business meetings of the international level, the powers that be decide the fate of the inhabitants of the entire globe, representing the interests of their country, an individual corporation or a large company. The reputation of entire states or organizations of which they are representatives depends on their behavior. Therefore, these people are called so - officials.

A neat and tidy appearance is essential in the world of business people. Everything that is on display must be in an impeccable well-groomed condition, be it a shirt collar or nails and hair. Clothing should correspond to the high status of a diplomat, his image should be a standard of elegance.

It is important not to overdo it with the amount of perfume. Moderation should be in everything, including jewelry and adornments.Business style is preferable for men and women: noble and restrained classics will never lose their relevance and will be appropriate at any official event.

When conducting a conversation, it is important to behave with restraint and dignity, not to interrupt your interlocutor, and avoid excessive gesticulation. The culture of speech is of great importance: the use of competent literary phrases and a rich vocabulary will help a person establish himself as a well-read and educated diplomat and a partner with whom it is pleasant to deal.

In no case should you allow yourself such liberties as the use of obscene language in any dispute that has arisen, so that the conversation with business partners does not develop into an open conflict or skirmish.

Patience, tact and restraint will help smooth out any, even the most acute, situation.

I would like to pay special attention to such quality as punctuality. It is very important to be on time for your business or meeting. It is not for nothing that the adage that time is money has received such widespread fame and popularity. A punctual person commands respect from his business partners, since he values ​​not only his time, but also the working time of all his colleagues, without forcing them to waste precious minutes or even hours waiting for his undisciplined person.

Of course, delays also happen for very good reasons, due to some kind of emergency or force majeure that could not be overcome. In such cases, business partners will be more loyal to the fact of delay and will try to get into the situation, however, systematic delays without a serious reason will be regarded as disrespectful to colleagues.

Diplomatic meetings are held on a wide variety of occasions, from all kinds of public holidays to the arrival of a delegation from a friendly country. A list of invited guests is preliminarily drawn up, and the invitations themselves are most often sent to the addressees in writing. The meeting is also pre-arranged by phone, the number of those present is negotiated (according to the protocol, there should be an approximately equal number of representatives from each side).

It is accepted that junior staff are the first to arrive at the formal meeting, and the older ones arrive later. They leave the reception the other way around: first the elders, then the younger ones. The first to greet the subordinates with their superiors. Those entering the room must greet everyone present, regardless of their gender. When they are indoors, men are the first to greet the fair sex.

When meeting a lady, a man should get up from his chair, thus expressing his respect to her. If the woman is going to sit next to him, the man should help by pulling out a chair for her. When leaving, the employee must be the first to say goodbye to colleagues who remain at the reception.

Diplomatic receptions are daytime and evening, with or without a seating arrangement. They are divided into several types:

• Breakfast. This type of reception is carried out from noon to 15.00. His menu does not include first courses, instead of them - only a few light cold snacks, for a hot one - one fish and meat dish each, and there can also be dessert, coffee, tea, wine or champagne on the table. Such a reception lasts 1-1.5 hours and mostly only men are invited to it.
• Dinner. The most solemn type of reception, the time is from 19.00 to 21.00. Guests are invited with their spouses, unlike breakfast, first courses appear at this type of reception, the time of the meeting is 2-3 or more hours.
• Dinner. It differs from the previous type of reception only in the later start time - after 21.00.

• Cocktail. The time of the event is from 17.00-18.00 for about two hours. There are no seating arrangements for guests, the atmosphere at the reception is more relaxed. Unlike breakfast, lunch and dinner, it is possible to be late for a cocktail; it is not necessary to arrive at the exact time specified. The service staff delivers drinks, cold snacks in tartlets, canapes on trays.
• Buffet. In many ways, it is similar to a cocktail: the seating of guests, as in the previous version, is not provided, the start time and length of the meeting are identical, being late will not be considered a violation of the rules of etiquette. The difference lies in the fact that at this type of reception it is customary to set tables, hot dishes are served.
• Buffet lunch... Snacks and meals are located on separate tables, the reception participants impose the treats that they like, and then step aside, giving way to other reception participants. You can sit with the selected treats on armchairs or small 4-6-seater tables in the same or adjacent room.

Compliance with diplomatic etiquette is the key to success in building business relationships between business partners. Respectful attitude and goodwill help to earn the favor of colleagues and, as a result, open doors to new good opportunities and prospects. It is important to note that observance of etiquette helps not only in the work field, but also in everyday life. The habit of behaving intelligently and ethically will have a beneficial effect on all other areas of human activity.

For more information on diplomatic protocol and etiquette, see the video below.