Being a diplomat ought to be decided well and have high confident since she/he will confront challenges. One of the duties of a diplomat is to interweave good relationship with other countries so that he has to have good communication skill. The statement was uttered by Judith A. Moon, Public Affairs Officer US Embassy, in an Afternoon Tea Talk. The event was conducted by American Corner (AMCOR) of Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) on Wednesday (16/9) at Central Library of American Corner of UMY, Building D, Floor 2.

Besides good communication skill, a diplomat is required to be able to adapt rapidly to the country where he is assigned. He should adapt to the culture, food, weather, and life style of the country. “A diplomat has huge challenges. He has to be able to adapt to the circumstances of the country since there will be a lot of new phenomena, and it needs fast thinking to cope with issues,” she conveyed.

Moreover, a diplomat should be able to establish good relationship with other countries and good performance with the staffs. “It aims at improving the internal condition and overcoming external condition like affairs among countries,” she asserted.

Judith inserted that when she became the diplomat of the USA, she had to achieve a policy of government which contrasted to her insight. “It is a dilemma when government’s decision making diverges from the diplomat’s thought. However, she has to conceal her disagreement with the government. The distinctive perception is a challenge of being a diplomat,” she added.

Furthermore, Director of Amcor of UMY conveyed that the Afternoon Tea Talk raising a theme of “How to Be a Good Diplomat” aimed at discussing and sharing with the figure of a diplomat. “This even can be a forum for UMY’s students to gain new knowledge, particularly for those who are eager to be a diplomat, so that they can acknowledge how to be a good diplomat,” he informed.

He continued that the event was also expected to be a forum to enhance English speaking proficiency of UMY’s students. “The event is a weekly discussion. It points at fostering students’ confidence in speaking foreign language. We also have schedule to invite academicians or practitioners in the discussion,” he ended.