All protocols NOT observed

I am almost certain, you would have had the experience of attending an event, listening to speaker after speaker approaching the lectern, and making the statement, “All protocols observed.” At times I feel compelled to look around to see who or what are these protocols being observed. Many times, in a space where there are those who may be in the know, you will hear the audible murmurs of disapproval; however, in some circumstances we have become so accustomed to this, that it simply seems par for the course.

In the first instance, speakers who choose to utter this sentiment, really are simply lying, as making this statement means essentially that protocols are not being observed. If you were observing protocol, you would do the right thing and acknowledge the dignitaries in order of precedence. One may ask, however, ‘what should be done if the list of dignitaries is exhaustive and was uttered be previous speakers?’

If this is the case, one may choose to recognize dignitaries in groupings, for example “Your Excellencies”, “Members of the Diplomatic Corps,” “Members of Cabinet,” “Members of the Board,” however, please ensure to recognize the Head of State, Government, or Organisation separate from the grouping. An important point to note includes recognizing those who are present. There is no need to recognize someone in their absence. The mere point of recognizing persons is to acknowledge their presence, hence the statement “I wish to recognize person X in their absence” really serves little purpose other than to identify that they are not in attendance, or are late in attendance. Leave this to the master of ceremony, who may choose to advise the audience of the dignitary’s presence or absence.

As a result, it is a good practice to request and review a listing of salutations prior to approaching the lectern to ensure that you are prepared either to undertake your opening with the knowledge of those present, as well as with a clear understanding of exactly how you will proceed to ensure you observe the protocol.

Additionally, there are times speakers will indeed observe protocol and list the dignitaries in order of precedence and then end by stating “All protocols observed.” In this instance, once the protocols were already observed, there is no need to add this line. It becomes redundant and out of context.

The use of this phrase can be seen heavily used in the African diaspora and has since spread to the Caribbean Regions, it is however not the norm nor the practice in the European territories. Whilst in North America, the salutations protocol remains somewhat lax in many circumstances and according to the tenor of the event. Again, it is important to understand the norms and mores of the territories within which you may have to operate prior to undertaking speaking engagements.

To underscore the basis of this article, let us quickly review the meaning of protocol. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, protocol is a code prescribing strict adherence to correct etiquette and precedence (as in diplomatic exchange and in the military services). The important considerations being strict adherence and correct etiquette. Whilst I do appreciate how difficult it can be to adapt what many consider as old-fashioned rules, sometimes these considerations assist in maintaining a measure of order and good will. Do not be too harsh on tossing the old out in favor of the quick and easy. Sometimes we just need to do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do.