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R H E T O R I C   A N D   D I P L O M A C Y

Classical rhetoric is defined as “the art of speaking or writing effectively: as a: the study of    principles and rules of composition formulated by critics of ancient times b: the study of writing    or speaking as a means of communication or persuasion.” (Merriam-Webster Online) However, people often think first of a definition more like this: “empty words, meaningless speech: The prime minister's speech was pure political rhetoric.” (The Newbury House Online Dictionary) These definitions seem at odds with each other: effective and persuasive speech compared to empty, meaningless speech. But whether one considers rhetoric in a positive or negative way, the common factor is that it is speech aiming to persuade. 

Diplomats can benefit from studying both the positive and negative aspects of rhetoric. World events are triggered by the words and actions of national leaders and politicians. Diplomats need to pay careful attention to political speech in order to gain clues about the concerns, intentions, and agendas of national leaders and political figures. At the same time, the work of diplomats is based largely on their ability to use language well - to convince and persuade. Diplomats need to be aware and in control of the power and effect of their words. As Drazen Pehar, researcher on language and diplomacy, writes: “…when it comes to the use of language and its many styles, diplomats must bear in mind that they have a choice. They may choose one or more among many styles of language. This freedom of choice of an instrument of expression is particularly important because plurality of such instruments makes diplomats aware of their own responsibility in verbally expressing their attitudes towards international developments.” ("Historical Rhetoric and Diplomacy," Language and Diplomacy, Malta: DiploProjects, 2001)