The Times of India headline on 28th January 2024 screamed: “China’s Top Diplomat at Meeting with US Official Urges Washington Not to Support Taiwan Independence”. The news article explained that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and US national security adviser Jake Sullivan met in Thailand for high-level talks and previously in Malta and Vienna. No doubt, with the tensions brewing before the negotiations, diplomats from these countries would have made calls of introduction to each other as a matter of urgency to keep avenues open for talks in the future. In their 2014 work, researchers Sale and Neale underscored introductions’ role in initiating, developing, and sustaining relationships. They emphasised that practical communication skills are essential to creating relationships founded on mutual trust and respect. Their research delved into the significance of introductions as the initial step in building rapport and establishing connections. Sale and Neale said how you communicate when you first meet someone affects how your relationship will go later. They investigated how people introducing themselves can make others see them as trustworthy, likeable, and professional. Through study and analysis, they showed how critical introductions are for personal or professional relationships. Their findings provide valuable insights for individuals seeking to navigate social and professional landscapes with finesse and efficacy, highlighting the pivotal role of effective communication in creating meaningful connections. So, how can a diplomat in a new post make successful calls? The aim of making calls is to introduce yourself at the post. The greater your exposure to diverse individuals, the higher the probability of feeling at ease and achieving success in a fresh undertaking. What sort of calls can you expect to make?
Expect three types of calls: official, office, and social calls. Official calls are in-person meetings hosted at an embassy or residence, where a formal invitation is sent. Office visits remain the primary method for employees to meet their new colleagues. Social or informal calls can be hosted at home or out. Invitations are made via phone calls or invitations. In both instances, an exchange of business cards is advised. While social calls to homes are still observed in some locations, informal social events, phone communications, and invitations have become more prevalent for initial introductions. If your role involves interactions with the host country’s government or its residents, scheduling appointments for meetings in their offices is advisable. It’s common practice for chiefs of missions to conduct office visits to counterparts from other foreign missions, adhering to diplomatic precedence. By local practices, your spouse may accompany you to either one social or official call, if not your spouse, then a colleague. The Times of India underscore the critical importance of diplomatic introductions in building trust and respect. With tensions evident before the negotiations, diplomats from both countries likely engaged in introductory calls to establish rapport and maintain open avenues for future talks. Research by Sale and Neale also says how you introduce yourself can affect how people see you later. By understanding the impact of introductions on perceptions of credibility and professionalism, diplomats can navigate negotiations with finesse, hopefully leading to a smoother process and a favourable resolution. Please note: All countries may have varying mission customs. Consider consulting your country’s foreign affairs manual or seeking guidance from the protocol officer. Article Published By: Protocol Today VIP Special Edition
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The Maldives is an archipelagic country in South Asia, a string of atolls scattered across the Indian Ocean and officially called the Republic of Maldives. The word "Maldives" means "the islands of Male"; incidentally, Maldives's capital is Male. Male is pronounced as Malé with the infliction oné. The name Maldives comes from the Sanskrit word "maladvipa", meaning "garland of islands", which is absolutely true. The islands are strewn across the ocean like sparkling aquamarine stones. History reveals that the first settlers arrived in the Maldives around the 5th century BCE, likely from Sri Lanka, South India and East Africa. It is said that from the 12th century Buddhism was practiced until Arab traders brought Islam and now worshiped till today. The In the 16th century, the Portuguese briefly established themselves then it became a British protectorate then in 1965 on behalf of the Sultan, Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir Rannabandeyri Kilegefan, assisted in gaining independence. Arriving at the airport, you are greeted with a relaxed atmosphere from officials; once finished, bags are scanned, and many are greeted with a surprise request to relinquish their duty-free alcohol products and given a slip to pick up on departure. For many foreigners, this is a 'welcome' learning experience to the country's culture. Once you are out of the customs, you are met by the magical sight of taxi planes and boats bobbing up and down on a perfect blue-green sea. Malé and Hullamalé are connected by a bridge with red double-decker buses slowly making their way over and back. While being escorted to your hotel of choice, you will see women and children dressed in Western, Indian and/or niqab, hijab, chador to dupatta. You may find that your hotel hosts are from places such as Bangladesh, India and local Maldivian at the helm. Maldives is certainly relaxed everywhere you go; the people are tolerant and understanding of those coming to their shores to discover island paradise. The main beach area dress code for Westerns is modest dressing leaving bikinis, bathers and “Cardi B” style outfits in the suitcase for your island resort getaway. Food is a mixture of Arabic, Southern Indian, Sri Lankan and Western. I have personally tried traditional Maldivian food at a restaurant recommended by a local and heartily recommend the cuisine. You will find that locals love to patronise cafes and restaurants and sit for hours talking to friends and family. Lots of laughter and talking fills the space making for a happy environment. Before eating the delicious local and fresh foods, please wash your hands in a basin provided before you start your meal and after if you have eaten food with your hands. On the local menu, you will find flavorful dishes such as garudhiya which is a fragrant fish soup, masihuni made for breakfast, shredded smoked tuna, grated coconut, lemon and chilli, eaten with roshi (roti bread) to sweet or handulu bondibai, rice pudding eaten during Eid. Most of these foods are commonly eaten by right-hand roti or rice. These carbohydrates are used as a carrier for the main meals and are well mixed together with the hands. If you love bacon in the mornings with your eggs, due to the country being an Islamic republic, pork will not be found. Instead, you will offered chicken and beef alternatives. Resorts away from the main islands will sell alcoholic beverages.
Maldivian culture adheres to the Islamic principles of the family unit, and tight-knit bonds within extended families further reinforce this respect. You will be met with locals and hired help with poker faces; it is a South Asian tendency not to smile; however, when you break the ice when asking for directions or advice, you will be met with kindness. Etiquette is that speaking to locals on the street, woman to woman and man to man is better. If you are fortunate enough to be invited to a Maldivian household, don’t forget to remove your shoes and greet your hosts. Women will greet verbally rather than shake hands, whereas men will use the hand-to-heart sign, and the general greeting is “As-Salaam-Alaikum" and "Wa-Alaikum-Salaam" which means “May peace be upon you." Before you arrive, purchase fruit or a gift you brought from your home country. To break the ice and get a conversation started, inquire about how the family is doing. When you see children, ask their names and ages to show interest and avoid patting them on the head. If you have accidentally bumped into someone, apologise quickly. When eating, you may be invited to sit down on the floor. If that is the case, keep the soles of your feet facing the wall, as it is considered unclean. I hope these tips help your stay, or next stay, in the Marvellous Maldives, relaxing and fun. Article Published By: Etiquipedia.blogspot.com First, starting out in learning and understanding etiquette, I mistakenly gave a gift of a beautiful glass crystal clock to my Asian coach. In horror, after reading her extremely kind email of thanks, she explained to me the cultural differences between what the Chinese thought of clocks and the superstition behind them. What a cultural etiquette faux pas to make! Cultural differences significantly impact communication and etiquette by values, and expectations in social interactions. These variations can be subtle or more pronounced, influencing various aspects of communication, including verbal and nonverbal language, directness, and politeness norms. So you are probably now asking what is cultural etiquette? or what is cultural protocol? or even this....what are the rules of cultural etiquette? and how do you follow cultural protocol? Here are several pointers that can help when speaking to international counterparts at work or travelling on a holiday: Communication Styles: Different cultures may have varying preferences for communication styles, such as directness versus indirectness. Some cultures value explicit and straightforward communication, while others prioritise implicit or indirect expression.
Non-Verbal Cues: Body language, gestures, and facial expressions can convey different meanings in various cultures. What is considered acceptable or respectful in one culture may be interpreted differently in another, leading to potential misunderstandings.
Hierarchy and Authority: The perception of hierarchy and authority varies across cultures. In some cultures, there is a strict adherence to hierarchical structures, while others may adopt a more egalitarian approach. This influences how individuals express themselves and respond to authority figures.
Greeting Customs: The way people greet each other can vary widely. Some cultures embrace physical contact, like hugs or kisses, while others prefer a more reserved approach, such as a bow or a handshake. Understanding these differences is crucial in avoiding unintentional disrespect.
Gift-Giving Customs: The etiquette surrounding gift-giving can differ significantly. In some cultures, gifts are opened immediately, while in others, it may be considered polite to open them later privately. Additionally, the types of gifts that are appropriate can vary.
Dress Code: Cultural norms regarding dress code can impact how individuals present themselves in various settings. Understanding the expectations around attire is crucial for demonstrating respect and appropriateness.
Awareness of these cultural differences is essential for effective cross-cultural communication and for navigating social situations with sensitivity and respect. The key to bridging the cultural gaps is to pay attention to nonverbal cues and adapt communication styles accordingly. Practising patience and having an open mind. Asking questions and seeking clarification when uncertain to avoid misinterpretations and, last but not least, embracing and celebrating cultural diversity. Our world is an amazing place! This coming May, millions of people around the world will gather in front of television sets and computer screens, to watch what to many, is a once in a blue moon event. Like a rather rare celestial event, the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla of England, will be watched with great anticipation, and with many questions in people’s minds. Who will be in attendance? Will it just be working Royals and the landed gentry? Or will it include commoners or nonworking Royals, who have travelled in for the event? Who will be participating in the ceremony? Will favoured charities have members in attendance? Everyone wants a seat to see the leader of this new slimmed down monarchy crowned King. Who are those favoured few who have already received “save the date” emails from Buckingham Palace. No one knows for certain. Other questions have had the talking heads on radio, television and podcasts asking about the traditions which have long been the standard for British coronations. Will Charles and Camilla be sticking with tradition? Or will they stray from the norm. Will traditions evolve to include changes in Royal protocol? Many in the news are speculating. But we really won’t know everything until the 6th of May. The protocol of coronations in Great Britain goes back over 1000 years. Gleaning from European traditions, government and religion entwined and evolved over time to bring us what we have seen in the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and soon, King Charles III and his Queen, this May. What To Expect What can you expect at a coronation today? The ultimate guidebook for the Royal family is Liber Regalis (Royal Book), created in 1382. It has assisted members for over 600 years in organising this state event. This book may have captured elements of the event created by Saint Dunstan for King Edgar’s coronation ceremony at Bath Abbey in 973. Then in 1066, the crowing of William the Conqueror saw proceedings take place at Westminster Abby, where it remains today. When Did It All Start As Queen Elizabeth II was Lying-in-State and the fully planned State Funeral was being held, the organisation for the crowning of King Charles III began. The significant players overseeing this momentous event are the coronation committee comprising the Government of the United Kingdom, the Royal Household, the Privy Council and the Church of England. What do these bodies need to consider when planning a coronation? The coronation date, its proclamation, the price, who attends, the required furniture, music and the honours conferred to mark the grand occasion. Of course, modern safety laws have to be adhered to, so the number of those in attendance has already been slashed by the thousands. Many are already disappointed, fearing they will never receive the coveted email and confirmation of their expected attendance from Buckingham Palace. And if someone does receive a coveted email to attend the coronation, does that mean all is well? Some members of the peerage, who wear their coronets and robes only at a coronation, have waited a lifetime for this opportunity. Will they be disheartened in the end? Rumour has it that disappointed duchesses have had a traditional key role of theirs dismantled in the coronation ceremony. The queen wants her five grandchildren to take centre stage at the coronation alongside the King’s royal heirs, performing a role previously given to duchesses. This role has in coronations past, been performed as the new Queen is anointed with holy oil. And what of the new King’s pledge to make the coronation more inclusive of other religions? In the ceremony, the Archbishop of Canterbury by tradition, asks the King three lengthy questions. These are specifically regarding the Church of England. The coronation has now been shortened to one hour from the original three hours. Will those questions by the Archbishop be shortened or eliminated altogether? Will they and actually include the mention of other religions? For more about the Coronation at Westminster Abbey, please go to >> westminister-abbey.org The Crowning Event
The main event occurs at Westminster Abbey, where the King will be escorted by carriage from Buckingham Palace. Rumor has it that the very uncomfortable, but exquisite gold carriage, that previous Kings and Queens have used for the ceremony, will not be used in May. Will this have the look of an ordinary, albeit exciting royal wedding, instead of an extraordinary coronation? Once there, the Procession to the Abbey begins quickly to move to the Procession inside the Abby. There begins The Recognition of King Charles III. After that, one can expect hymns to be sung during and after the Coronation Oath and The Anointing. The Homage is where the highly anticipated and photographed moment of a coronation occurs, where King Charles III is given the Orb placed into his right hand and the Scepter, which he holds with his left hand, as well as golden bracelets and a ring. Once this occurs, the choir will sing anthems, drums beats, trumpets sound, and joyful crying out to mark the crowing of Great Britain's new King. Camilla, The Queen Consort, will be crowned after the Homage takes place. Once that is complete, the departure will occur, and esteemed guests, family and hosts will make their way from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace to be seen by thousands of onlookers and broadcasted to millions. The King and the Queen Consort, along with the Members of the Royal Family, will assemble for a perfectly Instagramable balcony appearance. The day ends with a Coronation banquet. Life After The Crown In the days and months after the Coronation, there will be many public opportunities for the new King and Queen to meet their subjects. These traditionally begin with a Coronation Review of the Fleet, Service of thanksgiving, UK and Commonwealth tours, Coronation portraits, and most importantly, the Investiture of the Prince of Wales. The Investiture tells the world who will be the next in succession to the throne. For more about the Coronation, please go to >> cornontion.gov.uk Etiquette classes are instructional sessions designed to teach 'the how's" of protocol and manners in various settings. These classes cover a range of topics, including dining etiquette, table manners, communication skills, digital etiquette, professional conduct, business etiquette, and cultural awareness and special occasions etiquette Participants learn how to navigate social situations with grace, demonstrate politeness, and present themselves confidently. Etiquette classes are often sought by individuals who wish to enhance their social skills, boost professionalism, or adapt to specific social norms in different contexts, such as business, formal events, or international interactions. Etiquette classes are typically taught by certified etiquette instructors who have extensive experience in the field. The instructors use a variety of teaching methods, including presentations, discussions, role-playing, and hands-on activities. Etiquette classes can be found online, in person, or through private instruction. Trained instructors typically conduct these classes, providing practical guidance and insights to help individuals navigate real-life scenarios with poise and confidence... There are a number of benefits to taking an etiquette class. These include:
Embark on a journey and learn the how's and why of etiquette and enrol in our etiquette classes today! Limited bookings available. Register now! Contact us today and book in a 15-minute concierge phone or zoom call. Embrace etiquette, elevate your life.
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May 2024
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