The Centre for Languages and Cultural Diplomacy (CLCD) conducted the “Language of Meetings” course from 8 to 10 September 2026 at the Institute of Diplomacy and Foreign Relations (IDFR). The three-day course was designed to strengthen participants’ ability to communicate confidently in formal meetings through the use of precise, professional and diplomatic language.
Officers from Grades 9 and 10 who participated in the course came from various ministries, departments and agencies, including the Ministry of Transport Malaysia, Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), Marine Department of Malaysia, Immigration Department of Malaysia, Ministry of Digital, Sarawak Premier’s Department, Road Transport Department, National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN), Attorney General’s Chambers, Department of Biosafety, Anti-Doping Agency of Malaysia (ADAMAS), Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), and Academy of Youth Development Malaysia, among others.
Throughout the course, participants were introduced to the essential language and communication conventions required in professional and diplomatic meetings. The modules covered the elements of formal meetings, appropriate language styles and registers, as well as techniques for identifying, interpreting and summarising key meeting content, including decisions, discussion points, action items and follow-up responsibilities.
Participants also developed practical skills in managing discussions, persuasion and strategic questioning. They learned to use appropriate language for agreeing, expressing conditional support and disagreeing diplomatically, as well as persuasive language for presenting ideas, justifying proposals and encouraging support. The course also introduced diplomatic phrases for interrupting politely, seeking clarification and ensuring mutual understanding during meetings.
The course culminated in a practical meeting simulation which provided an opportunity for participants to apply the language, protocol and communication strategies acquired throughout the course in a realistic meeting setting.
Overall, the course equipped participants with practical language skills to contribute more effectively in formal meetings. Through greater command of diplomatic language, discussion management, persuasion and strategic questioning, participants will be better prepared to communicate with greater clarity, confidence and tact in professional and diplomatic meetings within their respective ministries and agencies.
