Seminars and Training Sessions
The Diplomats’ Washington, Inc. sponsors several different full and half-day seminars, designed to equip the posted diplomat or expatriate with the understanding, insights, and savoir-faire necessary to establish excellent American working-relationships and to function effectively both across the United States and in Washington, D.C.
In addition to informational segments lead by the trainer, break-out sessions offer the participants the opportunity to practice some of the skills we discuss. Presentations by expert guest speakers increase the overall value of each seminar.
The Diplomats’ Washington currently offers a variety of full and half-day seminars and focused programs throughout the year.
The Keys to Washington
Our highly acclaimed Flagship Seminar
This concentrated examination of Washington, D.C. provides a comprehensive introduction to Washington for the newly arrived foreign diplomat and expatriate. Washington, D.C. functions like no other capital city in the world. The Keys to Washington focuses on understanding how Washington works and how to operate effectively in our Nation’s Capital.
The seminar opens with training in American professional, social, and cultural expectations, highlighting Washington-specific variations. The program moves on to explore areas of influence in Washington and to explain the inner workings of Capitol Hill and the legislative process. At lunch, an expert guest speaker comes to address whatever subject is of greatest concern at the time of the seminar, adding insight into the current headlines to the seminar content. In the afternoon, the seminar examines the American media and how to work effectively with it.
Participants receive a 100+ page seminar book which covers everything that is discussed during the day plus several more chapters of extra tools for success.
The Diplomatic First Spouses
The Only Seminar Created by Ambassadors’ Spouses for Ambassadors’ Spouses
This unique seminar was developed exclusively for the spouses of Ambassadors and Chargés d’Affaires at the request of Mrs. Maria Defago, the wife of H.E. Alfred Defago, the former Ambassador of Switzerland. With the collaboration of three ambassadors’ wives from divergent regions of the world, The Diplomats’ Washington created The Diplomatic First Spouses seminar to acquaint the spouses of ambassadors posted to the United States with the exciting, challenging, and critically important role they play as an essential member of the ambassadorial team.
This two part* seminar opens with an in-depth examination of the multifaceted role of the Diplomatic First Spouse in our Nation’s Capitol before delving into the essential, Washington-specific aspects of their position. The seminar continues with discussions of fundamental, as well as developing, challenges facing the ambassador’s spouse.
The second half of the seminar also features a lively discussion with a panel of Washingtonians involved in professional and diplomatic spheres in Washington, D.C. This offers the participants the opportunity to meet some of the influential people with whom they will work throughout their postings here in Washington, D.C. and to learn about the many areas where they can concentrate their activities.
Participants receive a detailed seminar notebook, covering all of the topics discussed during the day seminar with several addenda chapters that provide extra resources and helpful reference material on a vast array of important subjects of interest and need.
* Each half session takes place 9:30 am to 12:30 pm. Sessions are scheduled on consecutive Fridays.
The Skills and Techniques of American Public Speaking
A 3 to 5 Session Seminar and Practicum
Designed exclusively for the Diplomat or Foreign National working in the US, this 3 to 5 part seminar fosters the development of professional speaking skills crucial to the success of all high level officials and executives in the United States. Each Public Speaking Seminar course is tailored to the specialized needs of the client.
Participants receive a full course companion notebook.
Focused Morning Programs
Targeted half-day programs which examine one critical topic in depth. Areas of concentration include: Focus on Capitol Hill, Focus on the Media, Commercial Advantage, and Understanding Sports Idioms in Political Analysis.
Participants receive materials, covering all topics discussed during the program.
Custom Consultative Services for Corporate Clients
The Diplomats’ Washington, Inc. also contracts with international corporations to present seminars uniquely tailored to the clients’ needs. In these training sessions, The Diplomats’ Washington highlights the critical cross-cultural subtleties and potential pitfalls which challenge the international company’s effectiveness in the United States.
From the opening discussions of American business protocol and expectations, the programs move on to detailed examinations of the various micro-cultures in Washington and across the U.S. with whom the clients must work successfully. Training sessions also include U.S. professional do’s and don’ts, as well as hints and insights into successfully pursuing, developing, and conducting business in the United States. Trainers involve the participants in the sessions, encouraging full participation and discussion of experiences and challenges. The participants leave the training sessions with a full understanding of how America conducts business and the required savoir-faire to functions well.
Depending upon the specific needs of the organization, the tailored training programs can range anywhere from one half day to several days and take place either in Washington, D.C. or on site at the clients’ corporate headquarters.
A tailored course notebook is provided, covering all the topics discussed in the training program and offering supplemental resources.
Professional Networking Opportunities
Corps of Ambassadorial Assistants
A professional organization created and designed for ambassadors’ assistants, the Corps of Ambassadorial Assistants provides a place and structure where Ambassadorial Assistants can meet, network, share insights and challenges, and hear from important speakers on subjects which will benefit their ambassadors and embassies.
The group meets approximately once every two months for lunch. The meeting includes a brief meet and greet, lunch and a presentation from a top speaker from the US Government or other valuable contact. Corps membership is limited to assistants with direct access to the ambassador. The membership year goes from September to June and mirrors the Diplomatic Year.
