Behind the Brief: Diplomacy in Practice

Join us for a dynamic, hands-on workshop exploring the real-world skills behind political persuasion and high-stakes diplomacy.

Hosted in collaboration between the Public Speaking Club and the International Relations Society, this immersive session will simulate what it’s like to brief a senior political leader ahead of a major diplomatic meeting. Participants will step into the role of senior staffers preparing a Foreign Minister for a critical conversation with a global counterpart.

The workshop will be led by Dr. Amanda Sloat, Professor of Practice in SPEGA. She most recently served as former Special Assistant to the U.S. President and Senior Director for Europe at the National Security Council, where she coordinated worked on U.S. policy toward Europe and transatlantic affairs. With an impressive career that also included roles at the State Department, US House of Representatives, The Brookings Institution, Harvard Kennedy School, and the Biden-Harris Transition Team, Dr. Sloat brings unparalleled insight into the art of political advising and foreign policy strategy.


Through practical exercises and insider guidance, she will share how to craft and deliver high-impact political briefings, sharpen persuasive communication, and think strategically under pressure.

Whether you’re passionate about diplomacy, public speaking, or policy-making, this is your chance to learn from one of the leading voices in U.S.–Europe relations and experience a high-impact, interdisciplinary learning opportunity.

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Co-hosted with: IE Public Speaking Club, IE Campus Life

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