The Courtesy of Modern Protocol

Protocol is not a purpose for itself, it is an official channel through which all cultures can communicate between each other and in a way relate to each other. Protocol is not a content as such, but rather a way, in which the diplomats and society at large express the content in a polite and understood manner. It's closely related to politics and international law, but it also includes an etiquette, building relationships and expecting positive outcomes for the parties involved. Anyone involved in the international relations and diplomacy is expected to closely follow and perform the courtesies of protocol.

Protocol can be somehow divided in the following categories:

• Ceremony

• Etiquette and savoir-vivre

• Titles

• Correspondence

• and Wardrobe.

Ceremony can be described as the official public act with an official note that progresses with already established rules and procedures. Respectable Presiding Officers are the ones who make sure the ceremony beginns, runs and ends the way it is to be expected. They also provide a short speech at the beginning to welcome the Delegates and provide them with information about the importance and aim of the event. Next in order is randomly chosen country, but after that countries present their speech by the alphabetical order.

Etiquette is an already established set of rules that is accepted by everyone. Delegates should express the values and norms one follows and believes in. The most important and appreciated are respectfulness and politeness. Savoir-vivre is a word derived from French language and can be interpreted as 'ability to live life well and with intelligent enjoyment, meeting every situation with poise, good manners, and elegance'. Elements, such as greetings, the order of greeting, hand grip and introductions are a part of savoir-vivre, worth mentioning.

Greetings are used in both, formal and informal manner and are a way of salute and showing respect. Greetings much differ from cultures, in Europe a handshake is common, also forms of 'Good morning' or 'Good evening', while in Asia, a bow is a great sign of respect. There are also differences in how close peple stand to socialize, how loudly they speak, how much eye contact they obtain or chew during a lunch or dinner. The order of greeting can be put into practice quite simply, as those of lower title of employment greet higher, younger greets the older and men greet women (the same can also be said for the order of entering and leaving a room).

Hand grip differs from cultures, as in Muslim culture a man cannot shake a hand with woman, whereas in Europe, this is actually the most common way of greeting. A handshake should be firm, but not too firm. In some cultures a kiss on both cheeks is allowed, however the custom of kissing a woman's hand is slowly diminishing. Introductions are used in a somewhat same way as greetings, when making one, introduce someone who is of the more distinguished or older person. If you do not know the names of the guests or other Delegates, allow them to introduce themselves.

Titles

To use the right title means we acknowledge the particular function one is presenting and one should not forget about titles or abandon the use of them, unless invited to do so. Ambassadors are addressed as Mr. /Madam Ambassador or Ambassador Surname. When writing an invitation one would write 'His/Her Excelleny'.

Correspondence

When inviting another Delegate or an Ambassador to a meeting, write your name clearly, do not forget to include your full name, the title and country you are representing. When sending a message during the formal session of General Assembly, do include, as stated above, the country you are representing, to whom you are sending and a short content.

Wardrobe – this particular topic will be discussed in the next article published, due to the substance being broad.

Accepting the post of a high representative of a country is a highly important and valued position, however, one cannot smply take it lightly. Hopefully thorugh this brief guide, one can learn many important things to present not only himself at the General Assembly meeting, but also country as such.

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