Quick Guide to Spoken EnglishThis section explains speech patterns: stress within a sentence and within a word. Youll also find here examples of words the meaning of which changes depending upon the stress given.The Importance of StressIn English, emphasis is central to meaning. This means that the stress given to a syllable within a word or to a word within a sentence tells your speaker what that word is and often what it does. For example, if I say the wordprogress with the stress on the first syllable, that word is anoun.But if I say progresswith the stress on the second syllable, that tells the listener the word is averb.Stress within a SentenceSentences in English function in a similar way. We emphasize words that are central to meaning, like nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs. We dont generally stress articles,prepositionsorauxilliary verbsunless we want to compare and contrast. For instance, if you say "The Iranian delegation isn'there"with the stress onhere, this means that the delegation isn't in the room but in some other place the whereabouts of which you know.When you are speaking in public, proper accentuation is vital, both for general understanding and to make your message more convincing.Basic Tips:Do not "emphasize the auxillary verb unless it is in the negative.The word "can" is often stressed to indicate the negative(I cangoversus Ican'tgo)To distinguish between the numbers 13, 30, 14, 40 etc. - Stress the final syllable of fourteenbut the first syllable offorty.Sentences are long or short depending on the number of emphasis points and not on the number of words- This means that sentences with lots of adjectives, nouns and adverbs are slower (take more time to say) than sentences with lots of pronouns, articles and auxillary verbs.For example, the sentence "John likes cars" has three emphasis points. The sentence "she'sgoingto thebank" has more words but only contains two emphasis points. so the first sentence is the "longer" sentence.Stressing pronouns can be a way to demean the subject(ex. "What'sshedoing here? is a very different sentence from "what's shedoinghere?"Stress within a word: the two syllable ruleTwo syllable words often (but not always) serve as nouns or verbs. Emphasizing the first syllable generally makes them nouns. Emphasizing the second syllable, makes them verbs. Here are some that might be useful to you. Please remember that there are some noted exceptions to this rule (like debate which always emphasizes the second syllable)NOUN VERBPROgress proGRESSPREsent preSENTEXport exPORTIMport imPORTINcrease inCREASEPROject proJECTEXploit exPLOITBeyond two syllables, stress varies according to the origin and function of the word. Here are some basic guidelines to follow:Phrasal verbs (verbs that need a preposition, like break down, look up, etc.) stress both the verb and the preposition.Composed words of two syllables (a 'breakdown' of terms, the 'downfall' of a dictator, etc. stress both syllables.Prefixes and suffixes are stressed along with the root word's natural stress ('pre-nuptial agreement for instance)Here are some words whose mis-emphasis can cause confusion:Develop (All forms of the word develop emphasize the SECOND syllable), development, developing, etc. Opponent JapanNegotiate Integrate GuaranteeEvent Importance CanadaAssess DEBATEWhy does a diplomat need to debate?Knowing debate rules and methods can help diplomats understand the ways English speakers conduct argument and discussion. The two debate styles taught here are:Oxford Union Chamber debate and Lincoln Douglas debate.Ways to acknowledge opposing arguments:Isee your point, but I would like to offer a different perspectiveThank you for those comments, which contain many interesting ideas.Good point, but I think we can go further or I take issue with some of themI agree up to a point.Thats interesting., thats an interesting point (and NOT a good point.Im impressed with your reasoning even if I disagreeCompetitive debate is often an important part of a English speaking diplomat's university education. Debate formats vary but they all reinforce a model of debate and discussion that heavily influences the way we perceive conflict and cooperation in adult professional settings.This section is designed to give you some idea of how arguments are presented in English and what the explicit and implict rules of discussion and debate are in Anglophone culture.Basic Tips for Public Discussion and Debate:Acknowledge the position of the other person before advancing your own view. (see sidebar text below)In many other cultures, this is more or less understood but in English speaking cultures it can be considered very impolite not to recognize your opponents or colleagues position as a valid argument which can co-exist with your own. (In addition, such validation is part of a time honored rhetoric of debatebuilding up your opponent in order to destroy his argument)State your position clearly before providing too much historical context.In some cultures (especially France) it is considered intellectually dishonest not to provide historical context (or what they call exposing the problmatique) before revealing your point of view. In English speaking culture people will wonder what exactly you're hiding if you spend too much time in contextualisation.Use evidence to establish the superiority of your argument.This implies having an argument which is backed up by facts as well as reasoning. In some cultures, superior reasoning is emphasized over factual comparison, but in the debate context, evidence is required to advance an argument effectively.Practice Acknowledging an opposing viewHere are some common debate topics that have been on the debate circuit in the US or the UK in recent years:The industry of prostitution should be legalized (pimps, prostitutes and clients) should be allowed to participate openly.All drugs should be legalized.More electricity and washing machines should be made available to developping countries.HIV positive doctors ought to inform their patients of their conditionThe death penalty should be allowed for crimes against humanity (mass murder, genocide)Eurozone debt burdens (i.e. Greek debt) should be assumed by the entire EU instead of restructuring the debt.Practice Stating your positionHow would you state your position on the following topics in the following contexts?Climate Change to a room full of Tea Party membersCapital punishment to members of an American delegation (hint: the Americans would say it's a state rights' issue. How would you integrate that into your position?The French position on nuclear energy to the German delegation..Your position on the Financial times' recent prize offer to anyone who can help Europe back out of the Euro.Argue that education in its present state kills creativity in children before an audience of state employed teachers.Debate terms and vocabularyI. Verbs and expressions affirming an opinionI maintainI believeI thinkIts my view that...I am of the opinion that...As far as Im concerned,Its my firm belief that...II. Agreement and/or concessionI can only agree withI concur with Mr./Ms.s argument...Were in complete agreement on this issueI see what youre sayingYou make a valid pointI am of like mind on this issueIII. Disagreeing Note: in English disagreement tends to be expressed in a less confrontational way than in French. Prefer conditionals and qualifiers, dont hesitate to partically validate opposing arguments.Im afraid I dont share you view on this...We dont really see eye to eye here...Id like to build on what youre sayingIm afraid well have to agree to disagreeOur viewponts differWe arent coming at this from the same perspectiveI understand your position, but I dont entirely share itAggressive/heat of the moment formulasI dont agree at allThats not the issue here (extremely aggressive)Thats not what Im sayingI beg to differ (careful, this expression can be taken as a very caustic and ironic statement)IV. Concluding an argumentI rest my case (used at the very end of an argument)In conclusion, let me say that...This leads me to conclude that...And thats why I believe this is important...In a word my position is...Some basic debate rulesThere are two types of Oxford style debates, competitive debating and chamber debating. In this class you will learn how to chamber debate:From the Oxford union handbook:A chamber debate is like any other in many respects. There are two sides the Propostion who speak in favour of the motion and the Opposition who speak against it. Usually there are four speakers on each side who speak for up to ten minutes each. The Prseident of the Union chairs all of the debates. Any member of the audience may interrupt any of the speakers at any time by standing and asking a Point of information. The speaker may accept or decline the point. If accepted the interrupter should address a brief question or point to the speaker (as with all remarks this should be done through the Chair of the debate by starting, Mister/Madam President...). In the middle of the debate (after two speeches from each side) there is a period where any student can make a brief tow minute speech for either side of the motion (the floor debate). After all four speeches have ended the main speakers will leave and the after-debate takes place where students can their say. Members of the audience can leave at any time after the main debate is over and vote for the side they support by walking through the approriate door (Aye or Nay). Results are posted on the notice board the next day. Some useful rules for Oxford Union style debate include: Once a member of the audience has been accepted for one Point of Information during the debate, they should not offer any more points so everyone gets a chance to offer points and it isnt the same people offering points throughout the debate. Rather than say Point of Information as they stand, audience members should stand up quietly. This will reduce noise in the classroom and make it much easier for the speakers. The chairperson should enforce this rule. The audience members are allocated to each side of the debate so that they can only offer Points of Information to one team. The chairperson should keep a record of which team members ask Points of Information throughout the debate.NegotiationGenerally requires C1-C2 capacity language skills. This section negotiation vocbulary for each phase of the process as well as some basic Rules of the Road to keep in mind. Remember to emphasize the word in bold in order to be clearly understood.Rules of the Road1. Use clear simple language2. DO NOTallow the negotiation to proceed if you do not understand. Prefer clarity to the appearance of mastering the language when you don't.2; Get agreement from all parties on procedure before beginning negotiations3. Be active: answer all questions, even procedural ones with a 'yes that's right, or 'good idea'. Do not rely on simple acknowledgement or a nod of the head.4. Ask direct questions to prompt passive parties into action (perhaps we could getyourideas on this then?)5. Emphasize cooperation and recognize opposing points of view (do not give orders). Proceed at all times by asking if it's ok to move ahead, etc.

Preliminary Step: Creating a climate of agreementFirstofall, I'dliketosay, Ihopethis willbethebeginningof afruitfulrelationshipLet mejustthankeveryonefor theireffortstomakethisnegotiationpossibleWe are honored to be here and hope that the end of the day will bring progress to our common goals...It is a privilege to have everyone present and were optimistic about the outcome of todays meeting...Shallwebegin?Step 1: Making an opening statementOurgoalhere is to.It isvitalfor us to.Ourmain/keyinterest is to.Themain objectivehere is toFinding common groundon thisissueis inall our best interestsWhatwe'dliketoachievefrom thismeetingisStep 2: Asking questions/ interrupting(note: avoid the vague formula : what about, or how about? Prefer specific question markers)Would you saythat you're expanding the project to urban areas?Is it safe to assumeyou don't need aid in that region?Could you tell usmoreabout this project?So, do you mean to sayyour government needs this aid package badly?Might this beimportant for future infrastructure plans?Could Ijustaskyou afewquestionsabout?Roughlyhowmuch/many?I'mnotclearon yourpointaboutX, could youbemorespecific?I'mnot sure whatyou'regettingatexactly. Could yougiveme anexample?If I mayCould Istepinhere ?..IfI couldputinmytwocentshereStep 3: Getting parties to move forwardPerhapswe couldmoveahead?Could wegoonto thenextpoint?Might weproceedandcomebackto thislater?Shall wemoveon?Step 4: Brainstormingnote:Remember to emphasize and repeat progress made (which has the advantage of summarizing as well) at each step of the brainstorming processWhatdo youthinkofHowabouttryingWhatifwemade/did, etc.HowkeenareyouonAgoodwayforwardmight be toHowdo youfeelabout...Step 5: Accepting and RejectingRejecting an offer:The most common way for one party to reject another party's offer in a negotiation is by putting it off to a later date to allow all parties to save face. Here are some expressions that can help:Nothingpreventsus fromlookingintothat at alaterdateWe couldconsiderthat, but at alatertime.We'llhavetomakethis apriorityat someothertime.We're notpreparedtoaddressthisissuerightnow.I'mafraidwe'reunabletomoveon thatrightnow.Accepting:Ithinkwe could goalongwith thatThatcouldbearrangedWeagree, if yourofferstillstandsWeagreecompletelyWeagreeon theconditionthat...We will begladto accept thoseconditions.Step 6 : ClosingPerhaps I could justsummarizeouragreementsthus farAswe've agreed,you'lltake care ofAswe've agreed, you'llberesponsibleforYou'veagreedto a border patrol force.We'veagreedtoallowtroops from both countries to.It's always a good idea to thank the other parties for their cooperation and attendance at the end of the meeting!

MEDIATIONMediation or Peace Brokering as it is sometimes referred to in English requires advanced language skills (C1-C2). This section has vocabulary as well as an overview of some of the latest mediation techniques.Vocabularyhidden agendaclosed questionopen questionshared interest"I" statementground rulescommon groundInterviewsWhat's hereThis page provides vocabulary and advice for diplomats who are interviewed about ongoing events or rapidly evolving situations

INTERVIEW WITH A JOURNALISTImportant Reminders:Be clear and use simple language. Remember you are speaking to a lay audience and you will not have time to go in depth into your topic.Smile alot. This may seem artificial but in a recorded TV interview you will look depressed and seem lethargic if you do not have a pleasant expression on your face.Use effective body language. Make sure your hands are away from your face at all times, your back is very straight and look at the journalist, not at the camera.Be informal. Media intervention in English is generally less formal than in some other countries. Know the journalist's first name and use it when necessary. Useful Vocabulary for InterviewsMonitor a situation - follow it very closely.Conditions on the ground- conditions at the point of crisis or conflictPeople in the field- people assigned to the affected region (used when it is not urgent. useon the groundfor any crisis situation)Local authorities- police or law enforcement in the affected regionLocal officials- elected government workers in the regionMove on a situation- to take actionNot to speak to one's qualities or skills(as in I cannot speak to his qualities as a military leader) - to be unable to assessassisting / cooperating with / working in tandem withare all alternatives to the overused "we are working with local authorities"

PRESS CONFERENCEWhat's hereThis section is designed to give diplomats needed vocabulary, tips about how to write press releases and an understanding of Anglophone media habits. You will find basic mediaterminology as well as advice about how to handle yourself in front of a press corps.Basic tipsAll advice given forMedia interviewsgenerally applies to a Press conference. The Press Conference has some specifities however:Know if it's a 'gaggle' or a 'conference': American media have two kinds of press conferences when dealing with members of any government: the "gaggle" which is an informal, unrecorded meeting with journalists where you can stipulate what is on and off the record, and the actual "Press Conference" or "Press Briefing" where everything you say is recorded and subject to quotation.Avoid saying 'I don't know': Prefer alternatives like: "I am unable to provide that information at this time," "I am not aware of this issue," or "This information has not been communicated to me in this form". If your ministry or embassy doesn't know this information and you have been informed to let the press know, then be very clear and use "we".Recognize the journalist's point of view before you begin your answer: This cannot be emphasized enough. In Anglophone culture it is rude in any setting not to recognize the right of a differing or questioning voice to exist along with your own. English speaking journalists can become very agressive if this is not done, so save yourself some grief and possible embarrassment with a simple, "I can appreciate your concern about this," or "I understand your point of view on this, however"Look straight at the journalist you have selected and do not let yourself be distracted by other members of the media.Especially in a crisis situation, journalists can act a little like mobs seeking information and will compete with one another for the right to speak. You have to get on top of this quickly by choosing questions and then engaging only the person you choose.Vocabularyblurb- A brief description of the speaker or of an event.briefing- A short press conference where there is generally no chance to ask questionsdoorstep interview- A type of 'ambush' interview where the media encounters a member of government 'on the doorstep' and an informal press conference materializes.follow-up- An update on a previous story or a second question a journalist may wish to askfull lid- A message sent by a press secretary to indicate there will be no more news that day on the Government's actions or President's movements.headlines- main news items of the dayhearsay- When someone relates a story without evidence to back it up.leading questions- A question that contains the predicted answer within the question.off the record- Comments made that are not intended for publication or to be aired.op-ed (opinion editorial)- A feature, usually by a prominent journalist, presenting an opinionated story.press release- A brief written statement given to members of the press about a specific event.puff piece- A news story that presents its subject in a favorable light, ignoring any controversial issues.recap- A repetion or review of material that has just been announced or covered. Both syllables are emphasized.roundup- A sampling of news from around the worldtip- A source that provides information upon which a government or ministry has acted, or may act. (ex: Acting on a tip from the local police, the government raided the factory)soft ball- A very easy question, one that may appear to have been crafted by the speaker herself. We usually say "to lob someone soft balls". (to throw very gently)wrap up question- A question asked to clarify information that has been given.

WRITING AN EFFECTIVE PRESS RELEASEStructure of a Press Release:logo of the government organizationrelease time (either "For Immediate Release" or for release on a specific date)dateheadline that highlights the message in all upcase letters (example: NEW PRIME MINISTER NAMED BY ITALIAN PARLIAMENT)location (e.g. Rome)body (4 to 5 short paragraphs)endcontact name and informationBasic Tips:Topics we are working on in this section (to be published shortly):BriefingsWriting an effective press releaseVocabulary for Media Related Events

INTERNATIONAL MEETINGSTopics on this page will include a list of upcoming international events and a general vocabulary for holding an international meeting