This article was co-authored by Jennifer Clark and by How.com.vn staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Jennifer Clark is an Evolution Coach and the Founder of Soulful Solutions, her life consulting business which helps both individuals and organizations evolve and grow into their full potential based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. She has over 20 years of experience assisting over 8000 individuals with life consulting, workshop facilitation, and public speaking training. She received a Risk Management Certification from the Sprott School of Business in 2000, an Integrated Energy Therapy Master and Instruction Certificate in 2004, and an Assertiveness Coach Certificate in 2015. She earned a BA with Honors in Political Science from Queen's University in 1992.
There are 18 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 489,338 times.
If you want to be successful and influence others, the ability to be diplomatic might be one of the most powerful skills you can develop. When you're diplomatic, you signal to others that you care about their feelings and want to find a solution that works for everyone involved. Using diplomatic skills also helps you create a more collaborative environment, as opposed to an adversarial one. Read on to learn how to hone your diplomatic skills and put them to work to achieve your goals.
How to Practice Diplomacy
Be diplomatic by listening more than you talk. Choose a place and time that are appropriate to have the discussion and empathize with the other person so you understand how to say what you have to say in a way they'll understand and appreciate.
Steps
Master the Art of Communication with this Expert Series
Expert Q&A
- QuestionWhat are the diplomatic skills?Trudi Griffin, LPC, MSTrudi Griffin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin specializing in Addictions and Mental Health. She provides therapy to people who struggle with addictions, mental health, and trauma in community health settings and private practice. She received her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University in 2011.
Professional CounselorDiplomatic skills include active listening, speaking tactfully and respectfully, and the ability to see multiple points of view. - QuestionIs it good to be diplomatic?Trudi Griffin, LPC, MSTrudi Griffin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin specializing in Addictions and Mental Health. She provides therapy to people who struggle with addictions, mental health, and trauma in community health settings and private practice. She received her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University in 2011.
Professional CounselorYes. Diplomatic skills often prevent issues from escalating to conflict as diplomatic people can see both sides of a problem. - QuestionWhat is an example of diplomacy?Trudi Griffin, LPC, MSTrudi Griffin is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin specializing in Addictions and Mental Health. She provides therapy to people who struggle with addictions, mental health, and trauma in community health settings and private practice. She received her MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University in 2011.
Professional CounselorA diplomatic person would be able to facilitate an agreement between two coworkers with conflicting views of how a project should go and resolve the problem with each coworker feeling like their needs and interests were addressed.
Tips
References
- ↑ https://www.southampton.ac.uk/~assets/doc/hr/Selecting%20the%20right%20communication%20channel%20or%20medium.pdf
- ↑ https://hbr.org/tip/2018/04/be-tactful-when-you-provide-feedback-in-writing
- ↑ https://www.entrepreneur.com/en-au/entrepreneurs/workplace-diplomacy-10-tactics-to-be-more-influential/323153
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/the_power_of_good_manners
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2021/09/5-techniques-to-build-rapport-with-your-colleagues
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/body-language
- ↑ https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/using_a_persons_name_in_conversation
- ↑ https://hbr.org/podcast/2023/09/how-do-i-communicate-with-more-tact
- ↑ https://hbr.org/podcast/2023/09/how-do-i-communicate-with-more-tact
- ↑ https://online.findlay.edu/2579-2/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-to-do-life/201405/my-attempt-to-learn-how-to-be-tactful
- ↑ https://emergingrnleader.com/becoming-more-tactful/
- ↑ https://afsa.org/two-ears-one-mouth-two-hands-diplomacy-101
- ↑ https://hbr.org/podcast/2023/09/how-do-i-communicate-with-more-tact
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2023/04/how-to-give-negative-feedback-to-your-peers-boss-or-direct-reports
- ↑ https://www.fastcompany.com/90451221/how-to-find-common-ground-when-it-seems-impossible
- ↑ https://hbr.org/podcast/2023/09/how-do-i-communicate-with-more-tact
- ↑ https://hbr.org/podcast/2023/09/how-do-i-communicate-with-more-tact
- ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/behavioral-health-partners/bhp-blog/april-2018/5-4-3-2-1-coping-technique-for-anxiety.aspx
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-to-do-life/201405/my-attempt-to-learn-how-to-be-tactful
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/assertive/art-20044644
- ↑ https://www.amanet.org/articles/5-actions-for-communicating-with-diplomacy-tact-and-credibility/
- ↑ https://www.amanet.org/articles/5-actions-for-communicating-with-diplomacy-tact-and-credibility/
- ↑ https://afsa.org/two-ears-one-mouth-two-hands-diplomacy-101
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-to-do-life/201405/my-attempt-to-learn-how-to-be-tactful
- ↑ https://hbr.org/2023/04/how-to-give-negative-feedback-to-your-peers-boss-or-direct-reports
- ↑ https://www.amanet.org/articles/5-actions-for-communicating-with-diplomacy-tact-and-credibility/
- ↑ https://www.amanet.org/articles/5-actions-for-communicating-with-diplomacy-tact-and-credibility/
- ↑ https://diplomacy.state.gov/discover-diplomacy/the-skills-of-diplomacy/
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-to-do-life/201405/my-attempt-to-learn-how-to-be-tactful
- ↑ https://emergingrnleader.com/becoming-more-tactful/
- ↑ https://hbr.org/podcast/2023/09/how-do-i-communicate-with-more-tact
- ↑ https://emergingrnleader.com/becoming-more-tactful/
About This Article
If you want to communicate in a more diplomatic way, be careful about how you phrase your statements. Try to make it clear that you are giving your opinion by using “I” statements. For example, say things like, “I don’t like what you said to me” instead of assuming it was meant as an insult. You should also try to be less direct by asking people if they have considered other options, instead of telling them to do it your way. For advice from our reviewer on dealing with difficult situations, read more!
Reader Success Stories
- "I am surely talented, but due to my lack of this particular skill, people have always ruled over me and rejected my ideas. With these skills, however, I think I can pitch my ideas more comfortably. Thank you, How.com.vn. I just love this site."..." more
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.