This article was co-authored by Jennifer Clark and by wikiHow 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.
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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
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QuestionWhat are the diplomatic skills?Trudi Griffin, LPC, MSTrudi Griffin is a Licensed Professional Counselor based in Wisconsin. She specializes in addictions, mental health problems, and trauma recovery. She has worked as a counselor in both community health settings and private practice. She also works as a writer and researcher, with education, experience, and compassion for people informing her research and writing subjects. She received Bachelor’s degrees in Communications and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. She also earned an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University.
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 based in Wisconsin. She specializes in addictions, mental health problems, and trauma recovery. She has worked as a counselor in both community health settings and private practice. She also works as a writer and researcher, with education, experience, and compassion for people informing her research and writing subjects. She received Bachelor’s degrees in Communications and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. She also earned an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University.
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 based in Wisconsin. She specializes in addictions, mental health problems, and trauma recovery. She has worked as a counselor in both community health settings and private practice. She also works as a writer and researcher, with education, experience, and compassion for people informing her research and writing subjects. She received Bachelor’s degrees in Communications and Psychology from the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay. She also earned an MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University.
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
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"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, wikiHow. I just love this site."..." more