Seasoned diplomat gives tips about public affairs missions overseas

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Chyrece Campbell
  • Defense Information School
FORT MEADE, Md. (AFNS) --  Ambassador Ronald E. Neumann, president of the American Academy of Diplomacy, spoke to 120 faculty, staff and students on Monday at the Defense Information School.

A combat-seasoned diplomat and a former U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan, Neumann spoke about the characteristics of an effective public affairs professional when working overseas. He also provided an analysis of the current situation in Afghanistan, as well as a summary of operations and prospects for the future of the country.

Neumann's visit was part of a lecture series started by DINFOS Commandant Col. Jeremy Martin to expose students to key leaders and experts in the field of communications.

Neumann stressed that when public affairs professionals are working in foreign countries, it is not enough to know the language. Words and key phases can get lost in translation when communicating between dialects, he said. Public affairs professionals must understand the culture of their audience to build their credibility. Effective communication takes place when leaders listen to and learn about their audience.

Neumann explained the importance of senior communicators as combatant command public affairs officers in conveying their message to local foreigners, coalition partners and Americans.

With all eyes on Afghanistan, Neumann said it is critical that U.S. State Department and military leaders convey information that is accurate and coincides with U.S. policy in the region.

"Hearing his political and cultural experience, [I learned how it] can be applied to help leaders navigate through challenges at the strategic level," said Col. Jane Crichton, a public affairs officer with U.S. Army South and currently a DINFOS Joint Senior Public Affairs Course student.

Crichton will be deploying to Afghanistan this summer. She said she believes Neumann's thoughts and advice will be useful in helping her do a good job as a public affairs professional and leader.

Air Force Lt. Col. Kristi Beckman, the public affairs director for Air Force Special Operations Command and another Joint Senior Public Affairs Course student, said she understands the importance of being on message.

"It was incredible to hear the ambassador's perspective as he spoke about his experiences," she said.

Air Force Maj. Denise Burnham, a DINFOS public affairs leadership department instructor, said Neumann's lecture provided important information for entry-level public affairs students.

"I think it's great we are able to expose our qualification course students to this strategic-level leadership," Burnham said. "Many of them are heading off to serve in countries that the ambassador has been working diplomacy efforts in for the better part of a decade or more."