Rouet, Gilles <br/><br/>
Communicating diplomacy 

 -  2018.<br/>							 
<br/><br/> 85 
<br/><br/> Communication is the very essence of the profession of diplomacy. Diplomats are only agents speaking on behalf of the State, except in situations where they provide information to their own authorities. As new actors have entered the diplomatic scene, embassies have remained relevant and they continue to provide crucial information services that enable authorities to make informed decisions.The fact that the world is being overwhelmed with perpetual messaging means that it is not possible to sit on the sidelines; in particular, it is extremely important to participate in what are known as social networks. They are not well suited to diplomatic communication, since diplomats never speak for themselves and their freedom of speech is restricted by the fact that they are only spokespersons. Diplomats, however, have to work around the pitfalls of both purely institutional communication – which is close to “double talk,” and risks being boring or inaudible – and personalized communication, in which they run the risk of making gaffes.