Putting It Diplomatically

Today’s post is a fun one. I’m going to talk about one of the most useful skills I learned as a diplomat- “rephrasing”. Now, I would never suggest that diplomats are the only ones with a unique linguistic professional culture, but it is a core part of life and a funny one.

Scene: Any person of lower rank speaking to a senior officer (Section Chief or Ambassador)

I don’t know how to answer this question: “Great question.”

You already have this information: “I believe this was previously briefed, but I will send that over immediately.”

I completely overlooked this thing: “It’s covered.”

Well, that was a wildly unhinged statement/situation: “...That’s one perspective.”

I am not going to do that: “We will seriously look into that course of action.”

I don’t like this person: “I’m not sure they’re the best fit for this initiative…’

It’s not going well: “We should consider pivoting slightly.”

I absolutely said and was told every one of those things many times in my diplomatic career. Feel free to chime in with any industry-specific phrases you use!