Writing is like any other skill – it takes practice, practice and more practice. The more often that you write, the easier it is for you to pick up a pen and paper (in today’s world – to face a blank Word screen) and just churn out those words. I used to think that this idea of writing as a skill like any other, was pure conjecture. Until, that was, that I went months without writing in my journal or even writing a note to a friend. I found out that it was difficult for me to put thought into words and that I really had to concentrate on re-starting the motor.

This is why I always try to impress upon young diplomats, even colleagues, the value of writing often. It may be true that in diplomacy we talk a lot, but often people forget the power of the written word. There is power in a well-turned phrase, there is power in the penning of a memorable quote, and there is power in the ability to write a compelling story. These are the building blocks of a good diplomat. No matter how high you fly, if the diplomat is loathe to write, then he has tethered his ability to soar and to realise his full potential.

So the message is simple: start writing!!!