Protocol management refers to the process of defining, implementing, and maintaining standard procedures and guidelines within an organizational setting. It ensures official and unofficial occasions, visits, meetings, and functions are planned and conducted in accordance with a set of rules that are formally, socially, and culturally accepted and expected by the parties involved.

In the government and corporate world, protocol management enables people of diverse backgrounds and social orientations to conduct business in a friendly atmosphere and manage today’s complex and cosmopolitan world easily and with finesse. While dealing with Heads of State, senior officials, or foreign dignitaries, demonstrating your knowledge of protocol and respect avoid mishaps that damage your overall image. On formal occasions, effective protocol management ensures that all members operate on the same page, follow best practices, and work toward common goals.

Without proper protocol management, an organization may face communication breakdowns, decreased productivity, increased risks, and potential regulatory issues, hindering its overall success. This training will introduce participants to the critical aspects of protocols procedures, behavior of etiquette, rules of courteousness in society and respect for precedence.

The protocol management training will also give practical insights that will improve your effectiveness in a wide range of settings.

Target Participants 

This protocol management course is highly recommended for protocol staff, public relations personnel, event planners, managers and coordinators, administrative personnel responsible for the coordination of events and staff involved in protocol and handling of dignitaries.

Course Duration

Online:    7 Days

Classroom-based:     5 Days

Course Objectives

By the end of this training the participants will be able to: 

• Increase and strengthen protocol and etiquette skills in handling dignitaries.
• Improve organizational confidence in handling protocol events.
• Implement different variations in protocol and etiquette from different cultures, nations, and regions.
• Plan formal occasions while executing the role of the ideal host.
• Interact and communicate effectively with different types of guests and develop successful networking relationships.
• Demonstrate appropriate personal and professional conduct.
• To understand the rules of behavior in every situation
• To manage the media at their events with confidence

Course Outline

• Introduction to Protocol Management
• Definitions and concepts
• Guiding principles
• Importance of protocol in business
• The importance of manners
• Creating the right corporate image
• Six basic principles

The Role of a Protocol Officer

• Conducting research and advising executives and leaders
• Facilitating relationships between organizations and governments
• Managing events and issues
• Public relations and reputation management
• Administering travel, visas, and accommodation

Essential Communication Etiquette

• Codes of conduct
• Phone handling etiquette
• Email etiquette (netiquette)
• The art of conversation: verbal diplomacy/presentations
• Social media – posting, commenting, and sharing information online.
• Handling Visa Applications
• Facilitation – problem solving, creating collaboration and consensus.
• Action planning

Sitting Arrangements

• Sitting Plan
• The Main Table
• Placing the Host and the Guest of Honor
• Table Plans for Different Occasions
• Social luncheon or dinner
• Place Cards

Protocol and Diplomacy  

• Overview of the different diplomatic titles and ranks
• Planning VIP events, receptions, and ceremonies
• Correct form for issuing invitations and replying to them.
• Seating planning, security, and protection checklists
• Diplomatic emblems and insignia, where these are used or displayed.
• Greeting etiquette and the importance of the handshake
• How to introduce another person?
• Forms of address: How to address VVIPs.
• Diplomatic gift-giving and receiving
• Royal Tea ceremony and other specialized events

International Protocol

• Protocol in international organizations
• Protocol at the United Nations
• Peculiarities of the European protocol
• Protocol in some other organizations

Protocol and the Media

• Managing media interviews for print, TV, radio and online
• Projecting a powerful image in the media
• Speaking on and off the record
• Providing resources including press releases, background briefings and images
• Monitoring press coverage
• Action planning

Investing in Yourself

• The importance of appearance, dress, and grooming
• The importance of body language from handshake to hangouts
• How to prepare for and profit from any networking opportunity
• Assessing and tailoring your style for the occasion
• Personality types and how to deal with difficult people.

Continuous Improvement

• Setting SMART goals for self-improvement
• Researching your contacts
• Giving and receiving gifts – How to choose?
• The power of follow-up and staying in touch
• Building your confidence and presence

Training Approach

This training on protocol management course is delivered by our seasoned trainers who have vast experience as expert professionals. The course is taught through a mix of practical activities, theory, group works and case studies.

Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.

Certification

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

We can also do this as tailor-made course to meet organization-wide training needs. A training needs assessment will be done on the training participants to collect data on the existing skills, knowledge gaps, training expectations and tailor-made needs.