A top-notch protocol officer must excel as a facilitator, negotiator, researcher, conversationalist, networker, and event planner. They should be able to communicate effectively, analyze and report situations, stay composed under pressure, treat others with respect, and handle multiple tasks simultaneously, especially when representing their organization in cross-cultural environments.
This training course on Best Practices for Protocol Officers is designed to enhance your personal and interpersonal skills for representing your organization both nationally and internationally.
Key highlights of this ENERGY course include:
- Understanding how leaders expect protocol officers to represent their organizations on national and global stages
- Exploring the five essential roles of protocol officers and the skills required for each
- Developing verbal and non-verbal communication skills for successful diplomacy
- Learning a structured approach to planning, executing, and evaluating formal and social diplomatic events
- Gaining insight into international behavioral expectations, conduct, and etiquette
Upon completing this Best Practices for Protocol Officers training course, participants will be able to demonstrate the following skills, knowledge, and behaviors:
- Conducting both quantitative and qualitative research, analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and providing actionable recommendations.
- Building and maintaining relationships based on mutual trust and respect, both internally and externally.
- Asking insightful questions, actively listening, confirming understanding, and rephrasing where necessary to ensure clarity.
- Drafting various diplomatic communications, including letters of introduction, invitations, briefings, and emails, with clarity and professionalism.
- Reading and comprehending complex diplomatic documents, summarizing key information, and explaining critical points effectively.
- Organizing and delivering impactful presentations that emphasize key points and ensure they are remembered.
- Planning and executing events that enhance the organization's reputation and maintain a positive public image.
The Best Practices for Protocol Officers training course combines presentations that share both theory and industry best practices with practical sessions in accordance with adult learning and blended learner-centered principles.
Participants will have opportunities to put into practice the skills they develop and enhance during the course. We make the most of small and whole group exercises, videos, case studies, peer exchange, brainstorming, role plays, simulations, and discussions.
We will spend time working one-on-one and in small groups to resolve the challenges participants face. They will leave with new ideas and skills they can implement immediately they step back into their teams.
Participants are encouraged to reflect on and discuss their own professional issues and experiences. Overall, 50% of training will be experiential and 50% will be theoretical.
Participants will receive a training manual with an introduction to the training course slides, overview, background information, exercises, and plenty of space for their own notes.
Upon completion of this ENERGY Training course, participants will be equipped to carry out the key responsibilities of a protocol officer, including:
Participants in this Best Practices for Protocol Officers training course will engage with the latest protocol and diplomacy strategies while refining their skills in:
- Conducting research, analyzing data, drawing conclusions, making recommendations, and effectively presenting findings to executives and leaders.
- Managing events, including planning, execution, and post-event assessment.
- Mastering both verbal and non-verbal communication across various channels, including in-person, phone, email, and social media.
- Handling administrative tasks such as organizing travel, arranging visas, and coordinating accommodation.
Individuals whose capabilities and performance will improve when they attend this ENERGY Training course include:
- Protocol Officers, PR Officers and Event Organizers in the Oil & Gas Industry, Telecommunications, Finance and Healthcare
- Protocol Officers, PR Officers and Communication Officers in Government Departments, Government Agencies and Major Public Bodies
- Personal Assistants and Executive Assistants in the Oil & Gas Industry, Telecommunications, Finance and Healthcare
- Protocol Officers, PR Officers and Event Organizers in Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions
Day One: Understanding the Purpose of Protocol & Diplomacy
- Creating conditions for beneficial relations and business to develop
- Showing respect, building trust, facilitating decision making at executive levels
- Developing successful long-term co-operation between nations and global businesses
- Creating a safe environment for relationships to flourish
- Ensuring representatives follow the international rules for conduct and procedures in formal situations.
Day Two: The Role of a Protocol Officer
- Conducting research and advising executives and leaders
- Facilitating relationships between organisations and governments
- Managing events and issues
- Public relations and reputation management
- Administering travel, visas, and accommodation
Day Three: Essential Communication Skills
- Active listening – accurate note taking and minutes, questioning skills and feedback
- Reading – understanding and analysing complex or technical literature
- Writing – letters of introduction, briefings, invitations, responding to letters and emails
- Speaking – conversations and presentations
- Facilitation – problem solving, creating collaboration and consensus
- Social media – posting, commenting, and sharing information online
Day Four: Planning & Managing Events
- Planning and managing a visit, conference, or social event
- Liaising with the other side to agree itineraries, agendas, and travel arrangements
- Greeting guests and receiving lines, titles, and terms of address
- Order of precedence, flags, anthems, etc
- Dining and seating
- Giving and receiving gifts
Day Five: Essential Etiquette
- Codes of conduct
- Phone handling etiquette
- Email etiquette (netiquette)
- The art of conversation: verbal diplomacy
- Action planning