Speaking at a Conference

SPEAKING AT A CONFERENCE

An international conference is primarily an exercise in communication between people of many different nationalities. It is very hard to communicate effectively across deep divides of language, culture, personality, professional and social backgrounds, experience and so forth.

Those who appreciate the true magnitude of the challenge understand that they need to pay attention to every component of oral (and written) communication and recognise the value of striving to continually improve their performance in every facet of that complex skill.

Naturally, it is important to address the Chair by his or her correct title, as set out in the conference documents.

There can be something monotonous and unengaging about a text that is being read to an audience. In an international conference, delegates will often speak from a prepared text. The challenge is to disguise that fact and avoid dull or disengaged delivery.

Everything delegates say should be premeditated and often have been discussed with other delegations before they take the floor.

In the General Debate (and at the closing session) of a large conference, delegates will be addressing several audiences at once. It is therefore prudent to give thought beforehand to what one’s General Debate statement will say to each of these audiences.