What Are Diplomatic Skills?
Diplomatic skills refer to an individual’s ability to communicate with others in a respectful and tactful way that respects cultural, social, academic and economic differences. Using diplomatic skills to communicate is an approach that keeps negativity at a minimum and shows sensitivity and strength.
Many times, communication elicits unintended negative emotions based on tone, body language and particular language. Diplomatic skills work to combat negative messages and replace them with positive attributes.
Even when parties disagree, diplomatic skills can help to move the conversation into a positive arena. Those with diplomatic skills often work to give others the benefit of the doubt and listen to try and understand the beliefs and viewpoints of others without interrupting or displaying negative body language.
When speaking with others, a diplomatic approach is to make “I” statements to own opinions and thoughts without blaming others by using “You” statements that may make others defensive.
When using diplomatic skills, it may also be helpful to validate another person’s feelings or thoughts by stating “I appreciate your view” or “I hear what you are saying.” Diplomatic skills are especially useful during disagreements, negotiations and confrontational situations.
A person with diplomatic skills also keeps the information presented balanced with factual support and relevance while eliminating emotions from the conversation.
