59. Describe the basic elements of resolution.

Resolutions are the staple mode through which decisions are expressed at the UN and at some of its agencies. They have special characteristics:

The entire resolution is one single (very) long sentence. That means that there is only one full stop in the resolution, at the very end of the final paragraph. All other paragraphs end with a semicolon.

• It usually has two parts, the preamble and the operational.

• Each paragraph of the preamble part begins with a participle, such as: “Recalling . . . ”; “Taking into account . . . ”; “Noting. . . . ”

• Each paragraph of the operational section begins with a verb in present active tense: “Requests . . . ” “Decides . . . ”; “ Recommends . . . ”; “Urges . . . ”; “Further decides . . . ”; “Requires . . . ”; etc.

60. Give your understanding of the idea that the “record must be honest”.

A record must be honest, because accuracy is central to diplomacy. If even a nuance in a conversation is misreported, it can lead to serious consequence, either by itself or when a number of small errors in reporting are taken together. This happens typically when a number of emissaries are sent out to mobilize support for an election at an international institution or to solicit backing on an issue vital to the country.

If one reports a noncommittal response as sympathetic, or modifies it in some way that will make that response more palatable at home, the inaccuracy can produce serious misjudgment of the global response, as documented cases have shown.

61. Justify the role of husband-wife team in networking.

Male diplomats benefit hugely from having a spouse to help out with their representational entertainment. The spouse, especially for the male official, is a vital ally in representational entertainment.

The spouse provides the right ambience at social events and plays a large role in looking after guests. The spouse often has contacts that are different from those of the official, in range and quality, as is the experience of professionals who have served at different posts.

The female diplomat has a harder task, since even if her spouse is with her at her overseas post, he is unlikely to do the work of a housewife; yet, the male spouse can be invaluable in contact building at social entertainment. Lady Ambassadors are sometimes moved to say how much they wish they had a wife to help out in running the residence!

62. Tell about the basic principles of giving a TV interview.

• It is usually best to maintain eye contact with the interviewer. Looking into the camera is not generally a good method— this is different in the case of the TV statement, where one addresses the unseen TV audience through the camera.

• The voice is a revealing instrument, and on the TV and radio, one has the choice of signaling or supplementing one’s message to the audience with voice modulation. But this is to be done with care, avoiding a theatrical effect.

• It is useful to know in advance one’s likely audience and to pitch the responses to the level of their interest.