A Lesson in Public Speaking
Posted on 10. Apr, 2010 by joannadafoe in Canada
The purpose of this intersessional is to agree on a method of work from now to Cancun. Both the Kyoto Protocol and Cooperative Action tracks are focused on process, not substantive text. They are negotiating how many times to meet, where, and with what kind of outcomes. I overestimated what this session could deliver.
The Executive Secretary, Yvo de Boer, explained to us today how important good process is for the negotiation. The breakdown of Copenhagen was not caused by the political position of states, he said, but concerns over process (ie - draft text circulated by the Danish Presidency without consultation). From now until tomorrow morning, the plenary chair has to consider all of the many demands he heard in plenary today and accommodate suggestions into text.
This chair has a tough task.
I realize there is not much I can do to influence the outcome of decisions from now to tomorrow. But I can offer some advice to countries on how to improve the deadlock dynamic with a basic guide to public speaking at the UN.
Joanna’s Guide to Public Speaking at the UN
Delegates, by tomorrow night you will have to agree on a program of work from now to Cancun. While you do not see eye-to-eye on all issues, there are some very simple questions you can ask to help move everyone forward. You are encouraged to print out this guide to use with you in plenary tomorrow.
Before lifting the placard to speak, delegates should think about the following points:
One delegate today had the unfortunate luck of being caught sleeping! A sign for better public speaking?
- Does your statement last longer than a lunch break?
- Is what you are saying useful?
- Has someone said what you are about to say? Have you said it already before? … Have you said it repeatedly for the past two years?
- Do other people like it when you speak?
- Do you know what you want to say (a general trick is to see if your statement relies on obscure metaphors).
- Does your statement call into question principles and conventions you have already agreed upon?
Delegates, you are here to set the tone from now to 2010. The text tomorrow should set a path forward based on good-will.
It’s a shame you can not teach a course for negotiators of Objectivity. Congratulations on the text and sleeper photo.
PPaulo, @ ppaulo_rego
bahaha JoDa you’re hilarious.
Thanks Pedro and Naomi! Sadly, I am afraid delegates did not print out my public speaking advice…