Quick Guide to Spoken English

This section explains speech patterns: stress within a sentence and

within a word. Youll also find here examples of words the meaning of
which changes depending upon the stress given.
The Importance of Stress
In English, emphasis is central to meaning. This means that the stress
given to a syllable within a word or to a word within a sentence tells
your speaker what that word is and often what it does. For example, if I
say the word progress with the stress on the first syllable, that word is
a noun. But if I say progress with the stress on the second syllable,
that tells the listener the word is a verb.
Stress within a Sentence
Sentences in English function in a similar way. We emphasize words that
are central to meaning, like nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs. We
dont
generally
stress
articles,prepositions or auxilliary
verbs unless we want to compare and contrast. For instance, if you say
"The Iranian delegation isn't here" with the stress on here, this means
that the delegation isn't in the room but in some other place the
whereabouts of which you know.
When you are speaking in public, proper accentuation is vital, both for
general understanding and to make your message more convincing.
Basic Tips:
Do not "emphasize the auxillary verb unless it is in the
negative.
The word "can" is often stressed to indicate the negative (I
can go versus I can't go)
To distinguish between the numbers 13, 30, 14, 40 etc. - Stress
the final syllable of fourteen but the first syllable of forty.
Sentences are long or short depending on the number of
emphasis points and not on the number of words - This means

that sentences with lots of adjectives, nouns and adverbs are slower
(take more time to say) than sentences with lots of pronouns, articles
and auxillary verbs. For example, the sentence "John likes cars" has
three emphasis points. The sentence "she's going to the bank" has
more words but only contains two emphasis points. so the first sentence
is the "longer" sentence.
Stressing pronouns can be a way to demean the subject (ex.
"What's she doing here? is a very different sentence from "what's
she doing here?"
Stress within a word: the two syllable rule
Two syllable words often (but not always) serve as nouns or verbs.
Emphasizing the first syllable generally makes them nouns.
Emphasizing the second syllable, makes them verbs. Here are some
that might be useful to you. Please remember that there are some
noted exceptions to this rule (like debate which always emphasizes the
second syllable)
NOUN
VERB
PROgress
proGRESS
PREsent
preSENT
EXport
exPORT
IMport
imPORT
INcrease
inCREASE
PROject
proJECT

EXploit
exPLOIT
Beyond two syllables, stress varies according to the origin and function
of the word. Here are some basic guidelines to follow:
Phrasal verbs (verbs that need a preposition, like break down, look up,
etc.) stress both the verb and the preposition.
Composed words of two syllables (a 'breakdown' of terms, the
'downfall' of a dictator, etc. stress both syllables.
Prefixes and suffixes are stressed along with the root word's natural
stress ('pre-nuptial agreement for instance)
Here are some words whose mis-emphasis can cause confusion:
Develop (All forms of the word develop emphasize the SECOND
syllable), development, developing, etc.
Opponent

Japan

Negotiate

Integrate

Guarantee

Event

Importance

Canada

Assess
DEBATE
Why does a diplomat need to debate?
Knowing debate rules and methods can help diplomats understand the
ways English speakers conduct argument and discussion. The two
debate styles taught here are: Oxford Union Chamber debate and
Lincoln Douglas debate.
Ways to acknowledge opposing arguments:
I see your point, but I would like to offer a different perspective
Thank you for those comments, which contain many interesting ideas.

Good point, but I think we can go further or I take issue with some of
them
I agree up to a point.
Thats interesting., thats an interesting point (and NOT a good point.
Im impressed with your reasoning even if I disagree
Competitive debate is often an important part of a English speaking
diplomat's university education. Debate formats vary but they all
reinforce a model of debate and discussion that heavily influences the
way we perceive conflict and cooperation in adult professional settings.
This section is designed to give you some idea of how arguments are
presented in English and what the explicit and implict rules of
discussion and debate are in Anglophone culture.
Basic Tips for Public Discussion and Debate:
Acknowledge the position of the other person before advancing
your own view. (see sidebar text below) In many other cultures,
this is more or less understood but in English speaking cultures it can be
considered very impolite not to recognize your opponents or
colleagues position as a valid argument which can co-exist with your
own. (In addition, such validation is part of a time honored rhetoric of
debatebuilding up your opponent in order to destroy his argument)
State your position clearly before providing too much historical
context. In some cultures (especially France) it is considered
intellectually dishonest not to provide historical context (or what they
call exposing the problmatique) before revealing your point of view. In
English speaking culture people will wonder what exactly you're hiding
if you spend too much time in contextualisation.
Use evidence to establish the superiority of your argument. This
implies having an argument which is backed up by facts as well as
reasoning. In some cultures, superior reasoning is emphasized over
factual comparison, but in the debate context, evidence is required to
advance an argument effectively.
Practice Acknowledging an opposing view

Here are some common debate topics that have been on the debate
circuit in the US or the UK in recent years:
The industry of prostitution should be legalized (pimps, prostitutes and
clients) should be allowed to participate openly.
All drugs should be legalized.
More electricity and washing machines should be made available to
developping countries.
HIV positive doctors ought to inform their patients of their condition
The death penalty should be allowed for crimes against humanity (mass
murder, genocide)
Eurozone debt burdens (i.e. Greek debt) should be assumed by the
entire EU instead of restructuring the debt.
Practice Stating your position
How would you state your position on the following topics in the
following contexts?
Climate Change to a room full of Tea Party members
Capital punishment to members of an American delegation (hint: the
Americans would say it's a state rights' issue. How would you integrate
that into your position?
The French position on nuclear energy to the German delegation..
Your position on the Financial times' recent prize offer to anyone who
can help Europe back out of the Euro.
Argue that education in its present state kills creativity in children
before an audience of state employed teachers.
Debate terms and vocabulary
I.

Verbs and expressions affirming an opinion

I maintain

I believe
I think
Its my view that...
I am of the opinion that...
As far as Im concerned,
Its my firm belief that...
II.

Agreement and/or concession

I can only agree with

I concur with Mr./Ms.s argument...
Were in complete agreement on this issue
I see what youre saying
You make a valid point
I am of like mind on this issue
III.

Disagreeing

Note: in English disagreement tends to be expressed in a less

confrontational way than in French. Prefer conditionals and qualifiers,
dont hesitate to partically validate opposing arguments.
Im afraid I dont share you view on this...
We dont really see eye to eye here...
Id like to build on what youre saying
Im afraid well have to agree to disagree
Our viewponts differ
We arent coming at this from the same perspective
I understand your position, but I dont entirely share it
Aggressive/heat of the moment formulas

I dont agree at all

Thats not the issue here (extremely aggressive)
Thats not what Im saying
I beg to differ (careful, this expression can be taken as a very caustic
and ironic statement)
IV.

Concluding an argument

I rest my case (used at the very end of an argument)

In conclusion, let me say that...
This leads me to conclude that...
And thats why I believe this is important...
In a word my position is...
Some basic debate rules
There are two types of Oxford style debates, competitive debating and
chamber debating. In this class you will learn how to chamber debate:
From the Oxford union handbook:
A chamber debate is like any other in many respects. There are two
sides the Propostion who speak in favour of the motion and the
Opposition who speak against it. Usually there are four speakers on
each side who speak for up to ten minutes each. The Prseident of the
Union chairs all of the debates. Any member of the audience may
interrupt any of the speakers at any time by standing and asking a
Point of information. The speaker may accept or decline the point. If
accepted the interrupter should address a brief question or point to the
speaker (as with all remarks this should be done through the Chair of
the debate by starting, Mister/Madam President...). In the middle of
the debate (after two speeches from each side) there is a period where
any student can make a brief tow minute speech for either side of the
motion (the floor debate). After all four speeches have ended the main
speakers will leave and the after-debate takes place where students can
their say. Members of the audience can leave at any time after the main
debate is over and vote for the side they support by walking through
the approriate door (Aye or Nay). Results are posted on the notice board
the next day.
Some useful rules for Oxford Union style debate include:

 Once a member of the audience has been accepted for one Point
of Information during the debate, they should not offer any more
points so everyone gets a chance to offer points and it isnt the
same people offering points throughout the debate.
Rather than say Point of Information as they stand, audience
members should stand up quietly. This will reduce noise in the
classroom and make it much easier for the speakers. The
chairperson should enforce this rule.
The audience members are allocated to each side of the debate
so that they can only offer Points of Information to one team.
The chairperson should keep a record of which team members ask
Points of Information throughout the debate.
Negotiation
Generally requires C1-C2 capacity language skills. This section
negotiation vocbulary for each phase of the process as well as some
basic Rules of the Road to keep in mind. Remember to emphasize the
word in bold in order to be clearly understood.
Rules of the Road
1. Use clear simple language
2. DO NOT allow the negotiation to proceed if you do not understand.
Prefer clarity to the appearance of mastering the language when you
don't.
2; Get agreement from all parties on procedure before beginning
negotiations
3. Be active: answer all questions, even procedural ones with a 'yes
that's right, or 'good idea'. Do not rely on simple acknowledgement or a
nod of the head.
4. Ask direct questions to prompt passive parties into action (perhaps
we could getyour ideas on this then?)
5. Emphasize cooperation and recognize opposing points of view (do not
give orders). Proceed at all times by asking if it's ok to move ahead, etc.

Preliminary Step: Creating a climate of agreement

First of all,
I'd like to say,
a fruitful relationship

I hope this

will be the beginning of

Let
me just thank everyone for
their efforts to make this negotiation possible
We are honored to be here and hope that the end of the day will
bring progress to our common goals...
It is a privilege to have everyone present and were optimistic
about the outcome of todays meeting...
Shall we begin?
Step 1: Making an opening statement
Our goal here is to.
It is vital for us to.
Our main/key interest is to.
The main objective here is to
Finding common ground on this issue is in all our best interests
What we'd like to achieve from this meeting is
Step 2: Asking questions/ interrupting
(note: avoid the vague formula : what about, or how about? Prefer
specific question markers)
Would you say that you're expanding the project to urban areas?
Is it safe to assume you don't need aid in that region?
Could you tell us more about this project?
So, do you mean to say your government needs this aid package
badly?

Might this be important for future infrastructure plans?

Could I just ask you a few questions about?
Roughly how much/many?
I'm not clear on your point about X, could you be more specific?
I'm not sure
an example?

what you're getting at exactly.

Could

you give me

If I may
Could I step in here ?..
If I could put in my two cents here
Step 3: Getting parties to move forward
Perhaps we could move ahead?
Could we go on to the next point?
Might we proceed and come back to this later?
Shall we move on?
Step 4: Brainstorming
note: Remember to emphasize and repeat progress made (which has
the advantage of summarizing as well) at each step of the
brainstorming process
What do you think of
How about trying
What if we made/did, etc.
How keen are you on
A good way forward might be to
How do you feel about...

Step 5: Accepting and Rejecting

Rejecting an offer:
The most common way for one party to reject another party's offer in a
negotiation is by putting it off to a later date to allow all parties to save
face. Here are some expressions that can help:
Nothing prevents us from looking into that at a later date
We could consider that, but at a later time.
We'll have to make this a priority at some other time.
We're not prepared to address this issue right now.
I'm afraid we're unable to move on that right now.
Accepting:
I think we could go along with that
That could be arranged
We agree, if your offer still stands
We agree completely
We agree on the condition that...
We will be glad to accept those conditions.
Step 6 : Closing
Perhaps I could just summarize our agreements thus far
As we've agreed, you'll take care of
As we've agreed, you'll be responsible for
You've agreed to a border patrol force.
We've agreed to allow troops from both countries to.

It's always a good idea to thank the other parties for their cooperation
and attendance at the end of the meeting!

MEDIATION
Mediation or Peace Brokering as it is sometimes referred to in English
requires advanced language skills (C1-C2). This section has vocabulary
as well as an overview of some of the latest mediation techniques.
Vocabulary
hidden agenda
closed question
open question
shared interest
"I" statement
ground rules
common ground
Interviews
What's here
This page provides vocabulary and advice for diplomats who are
interviewed about ongoing events or rapidly evolving situations

INTERVIEW WITH A JOURNALIST

Important Reminders:
Be clear and use simple language. Remember you are speaking to a
lay audience and you will not have time to go in depth into your topic.

Smile alot. This may seem artificial but in a recorded TV interview you
will look depressed and seem lethargic if you do not have a pleasant
expression on your face.
Use effective body language. Make sure your hands are away from
your face at all times, your back is very straight and look at the
journalist, not at the camera.
Be informal. Media intervention in English is generally less formal than
in some other countries. Know the journalist's first name and use it
when necessary.
Useful Vocabulary for Interviews
Monitor a situation - follow it very closely.
Conditions on the ground - conditions at the point of crisis or conflict
People in the field - people assigned to the affected region (used
when it is not urgent. use on the ground for any crisis situation)
Local authorities - police or law enforcement in the affected region
Local officials - elected government workers in the region
Move on a situation - to take action
Not to speak to one's qualities or skills (as in I cannot speak to his
qualities as a military leader) - to be unable to assess
assisting / cooperating with / working in tandem with are all
alternatives to the overused "we are working with local authorities"

PRESS CONFERENCE
What's here
This section is designed to give diplomats needed vocabulary, tips
about how to write press releases and an understanding of Anglophone
media habits. You will find basic media terminology as well as advice
about how to handle yourself in front of a press corps.

Basic tips
All advice given for Media interviews generally applies to a Press
conference. The Press Conference has some specifities however:
Know if it's a 'gaggle' or a 'conference': American media have two
kinds of press conferences when dealing with members of any
government: the "gaggle" which is an informal, unrecorded meeting
with journalists where you can stipulate what is on and off the record,
and the actual "Press Conference" or "Press Briefing" where everything
you say is recorded and subject to quotation.
Avoid saying 'I don't know': Prefer alternatives like: "I am unable to
provide that information at this time," "I am not aware of this issue," or
"This information has not been communicated to me in this form". If
your ministry or embassy doesn't know this information and you have
been informed to let the press know, then be very clear and use "we".
Recognize the journalist's point of view before you begin your
answer: This cannot be emphasized enough. In Anglophone culture it is
rude in any setting not to recognize the right of a differing or
questioning voice to exist along with your own. English speaking
journalists can become very agressive if this is not done, so save
yourself some grief and possible embarrassment with a simple, "I can
appreciate your concern about this," or "I understand your point of view
on this, however"
Look straight at the journalist you have selected and do not let
yourself be distracted by other members of the media. Especially
in a crisis situation, journalists can act a little like mobs seeking
information and will compete with one another for the right to speak.
You have to get on top of this quickly by choosing questions and then
engaging only the person you choose.
Vocabulary
blurb - A brief description of the speaker or of an event.
briefing - A short press conference where there is generally no chance
to ask questions

doorstep interview - A type of 'ambush' interview where the media

encounters a member of government 'on the doorstep' and an informal
press conference materializes.
follow-up - An update on a previous story or a second question a
journalist may wish to ask
full lid - A message sent by a press secretary to indicate there will be
no more news that day on the Government's actions or President's
movements.
headlines - main news items of the day
hearsay - When someone relates a story without evidence to back it
up.
leading questions - A question that contains the predicted answer
within the question.
off the record - Comments made that are not intended for publication
or to be aired.
op-ed (opinion editorial) - A feature, usually by a prominent
journalist, presenting an opinionated story.
press release - A brief written statement given to members of the
press about a specific event.
puff piece - A news story that presents its subject in a favorable light,
ignoring any controversial issues.
recap - A repetion or review of material that has just been announced
or covered. Both syllables are emphasized.
roundup - A sampling of news from around the world
tip - A source that provides information upon which a government or
ministry has acted, or may act. (ex: Acting on a tip from the local police,
the government raided the factory)

soft ball - A very easy question, one that may appear to have been
crafted by the speaker herself. We usually say "to lob someone soft
balls". (to throw very gently)
wrap up question - A question asked to clarify information that has
been given.

WRITING AN EFFECTIVE PRESS RELEASE

Structure of a Press Release:
logo of the government organization
release time (either "For Immediate Release" or for release on a specific
date)
date
headline that highlights the message in all upcase letters (example:
NEW PRIME MINISTER NAMED BY ITALIAN PARLIAMENT)
location (e.g. Rome)
body (4 to 5 short paragraphs)
end
contact name and information
Basic Tips:
Topics we are working on in this section (to be published shortly):
Briefings
Writing an effective press release
Vocabulary for Media Related Events

INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS
Topics on this page will include a list of upcoming international events
and a general vocabulary for holding an international meeting