Diplomacy

Protocol

Throughout her book Diplomatic Dance, Gail Scott provides a number of pointers on embassy protocol. Below are just a few examples taken from Appendix 3, "Protocol: Diplomatic Do's and Don'ts."

DIPLOMATIC E-MAIL

Foreign ambassadors are like visiting royalty. Today, many have private e-mail but it's seldom on their calling card. If they do give it to you, it's an invitation to use it, not unlike someone giving you their private car phone number, reserved for family and close friends.

But, keep it to yourself and use it judiously/carefully.
Since today's top diplomats lead hectic lives, they cherish their private time.

—From Office Emails That Really Click

ADDRESSING AN AMBASSADOR…

If you are not already on a first name basis, always use the proper salutation. Let them invite you to use their first name.

In correspondence:

Your Excellency or My Dear Mr./Madame Ambassador

In person or on the phone:

Your Excellency or Ambassador (Surname) or
Mr./Madame Ambassador

DO'S & DON'TS

• Don't expect the ambassador always to be a male
• Do remember that "casual" in diplomatic circles simply means "not formal."
• Don't dress more elaborately than the ambassador or the spouse.

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