Chris Paul Keeps it Simple and Strategic

I suppose I've always been a person partial to - I hate putting it this way but - well, straight-talkers. Not just that but people who are pointed and direct in their manner of speaking.Someone with a practical approach to public diplomacy is not only appealing to my sensibilities but also much needed in the area of foreign relations, where although there are many countries trying to make a honest attempt at sincere relations with the wider global communities, in terms of actual strategies, it can seem as if these organizations often don't see the forest for the trees.

Paul admits that the exact definition of strategic communications can be ambiguous a trait that public diplomacy shares as well, making the ideas even more difficult to put into practice considering the lack of concrete parameters involved in the workings of both. I like his personal definition of strategic communication, because while it may be too simple for some, it gets to the crux of  what it is without being bogged down in too many of the details. It is, "coordinating the things you say and do and say in support of your objectives...coordinated actions, messages, images and other forms of signaling or engagement intended to inform, influence or persuade selected audiences in support of national objectives.

He uses these straight-forward objectives to extol the virtues of a simple explanation of strategic communication that is clear and concise. In Paul's words strategic communication is about harnessing the necessary info and content from all we say and do; that is to mean our actions complement our statements and words - mean what you do and do as you say.

Paul understands that it is not all about trying to make everyone love you - anyone with a rudimentary understanding of human nature realizes that that is a losing battle.The most important thing is striking the right balance in establishing trust between the parties involved. And that a practical manner in achieving that is within an initiative is not only by favoring clear objectives, but making sure they are being followed through in every level of an organization with everyone working toward the same goal. That kind of accountability can cut down on the presence of vague statements and values in a campaign.

These are not revolutionary ideas but they are sensible ones. In a sector where the best methods of communication are still being tested, it would help to at least have a baseline procedure for people to follow. What Paul is espousing is strong enough to engender a working model for others to easily follow while leaving room for what will surely be decision-based changes in the future.