From the basics to connected ways of working

Identify the task, check basic documents and know when to ask

1. EP01Embassies: who handles what?Meet the head of mission and examples of functions, without assuming every embassy has the same structure.Clip length · 0:56●AvailableWatch episode ↗
2. EP02Note verbale: what to check before sendingLearn the general format and four practical checks, while following your institution’s template and approval process.Clip length · 0:52●AvailableWatch episode ↗
3. EP03Chargé d’affaires and chargé d’affaires ad interimDistinguish a class of head of mission from temporarily acting in that role before using a title for a real person.Clip length · 0:51●AvailableWatch episode ↗
4. EP04Reference and date: reply to the right documentCompare reference, date and content. Distinguish the document date from the meeting date and the date received.Clip length · 0:54●AvailableWatch episode ↗
5. EP05Enclosures: complete, correct and readableCheck the list, the approved version and readability. Do not judge only by filenames or file count.Clip length · 0:59●AvailableWatch episode ↗
6. EP06Before contacting an embassy: start with your enquiryStart with your matter, location and the office’s published contact channel, rather than the first email you find.Clip length · 0:57●AvailableWatch episode ↗
7. EP07Meetings across countries: dates, times and time zonesMake the date, time and time zone clear. Compare Bangkok and Berlin for the actual date rather than assuming a fixed difference all year.Clip length · 1:00●AvailableWatch episode ↗
8. EP08A concise agenda that helps people prepareStart with the intended outcome. Set topics, leads, timings and preparation, leaving time to review actions.Clip length · 0:53●AvailableWatch episode ↗
9. EP09After the meeting: keep actions on trackSeparate agreements, next actions and unresolved matters. Record the agreed task, owner and deadline, then track progress.Clip length · 1:00●AvailableWatch episode ↗
10. EP10Before you send: four checkscheck recipients, the subject/request, attachments, and your organization’s approval process. Know when to pause and ask.Clip length · 0:52●AvailableWatch episode ↗

Find the recipient, choose the document type, check the channel and keep evidence

Draft topics. Titles and order may change before release.

11. EP11Find the responsible office on an official websitefind official service and contact pages and explain why a particular office fits the enquiry.Clip length · 1:05●AvailableWatch episode ↗
12. EP12Keep department names and submission channels currentcompare saved recipient details with official information and distinguish a webpage update from a notice’s effective date.Clip length · 0:47●AvailableWatch episode ↗
13. EP13Choose the document and delivery channel for the taskSeparate the document form from its delivery channel and check the institution’s procedure before use.Clip length · 0:58●AvailableWatch episode ↗
14. EP14Sender, recipient and party mentionedDistinguish the sender, recipient and party mentioned, then identify who performs the action in a fictional message.Clip length · 0:53●AvailableWatch episode ↗
15. EP15Checking availability is not bookingIf you change it to Please book Room A, the requested task changes. The key is not just adding polite words, but asking for the action you actually intend.Clip length · 0:55●AvailableWatch episode ↗
16. EP16An old file is not a new approvalAn old file may help you understand the format, but its existing signature does not establish that the new content has been approved.Clip length · 0:49●AvailableWatch episode ↗
17. EP17Originals, copies and scans: ink colour is not enoughDraft aim: distinguish originals, copies and scans using available evidence rather than treating ink colour alone as proof of authenticity.◷In preparation
18. EP18Keep references clear when several documents are involvedDraft aim: match references to related documents so it is clear which version is being answered or enclosed.◷In preparation
19. EP19Keep evidence of dispatch and receiptDraft aim: record the time, channel and evidence while distinguishing dispatch from confirmed receipt.◷In preparation
20. EP20Follow up with full references, without assuming the recipient’s answerDraft aim: write a follow-up with references and open questions without treating silence as agreement.◷In preparation

State the context, request, recipient and deadline without inventing facts

Draft topics. Titles and order may change before release.

21. EP21Email subjects that state the topic and the requestDraft aim: write a subject line that immediately shows the topic and the response needed.◷In preparation
22. EP22Give a new recipient the context they needDraft aim: summarise earlier events and the reason for contact for someone newly joining the work.◷In preparation
23. EP23Ask for missing information without assigning blameDraft aim: ask for specific missing information and explain why it is needed in neutral language.◷In preparation
24. EP24Check names, titles and forms of address before sendingDraft aim: verify names, titles and forms of address against suitable sources before using them in a draft.◷In preparation
25. EP25Use To and CC according to roles and access rightsDraft aim: choose primary and copied recipients by responsibility and need to know rather than copying everyone.◷In preparation
26. EP26State reply deadlines with a date, time and time zoneDraft aim: state a reply deadline with its date, time and time zone, separately from the event date.◷In preparation
27. EP27Follow up by phone and record the factsDraft aim: record the facts from a call, including agreements and anything still awaiting confirmation.◷In preparation
28. EP28Confirm your understanding of spoken instructionsDraft aim: repeat the task, scope and deadline so the person giving instructions can confirm your understanding.◷In preparation
29. EP29Clearly correct information you have already sentDraft aim: draft a correction identifying the earlier information, the replacement and any effect on next steps.◷In preparation
30. EP30Hand over work with clear next stepsDraft aim: summarise status, document locations and next actions so a successor can continue without guessing.◷In preparation

Prepare meetings, separate decisions from discussion and follow up agreed actions

Draft topics. Titles and order may change before release.

31. EP31Identify whether a meeting is for information, decisions or joint workDraft aim: clarify the meeting’s purpose before choosing its format, agenda and participants.◷In preparation
32. EP32Invite people according to their roles and the decisions neededDraft aim: distinguish information providers, implementers and decision-makers when choosing participants.◷In preparation
33. EP33Prepare advance reading with clear version controlDraft aim: prepare advance reading with version details and questions for consideration so everyone uses the right material.◷In preparation
34. EP34Test the online meeting room and equipmentDraft aim: prepare checks for video, sound, joining instructions and a backup route before an online meeting.◷In preparation
35. EP35Prepare terminology and context for interpretersDraft aim: prepare names, terminology and context for interpreters while sharing only necessary information.◷In preparation
36. EP36Separate discussion, conclusions and formal decisionsDraft aim: separate opinions, conclusions and confirmed decisions in fictional meeting notes.◷In preparation
37. EP37Record actions, owners and deadlinesDraft aim: record each action with its agreed owner and deadline, marking details that remain unconfirmed.◷In preparation
38. EP38Review draft minutes and objectionsDraft aim: compare draft minutes with evidence and record corrections without erasing unresolved disagreements.◷In preparation
39. EP39Reschedule a meeting without confusing the calendarDraft aim: draft a rescheduling notice showing the old time, new time and any confirmation needed.◷In preparation
40. EP40Close a meeting with records and a list of open actionsDraft aim: collect records and open actions, distinguishing completed work from items still awaiting a response.◷In preparation

Coordinate guests, schedules, protocol checks and backup plans

Draft topics. Titles and order may change before release.

41. EP41Turn a visit brief into a task listDraft aim: turn a visit request into tasks, responsibilities and questions to resolve before planning.◷In preparation
42. EP42Verify guests’ names and titles using suitable sourcesDraft aim: check the guest list against suitable sources and mark details that still need confirmation.◷In preparation
43. EP43Build a programme with times, places and responsible peopleDraft aim: draft a programme with times, places and responsible people while identifying possible delays.◷In preparation
44. EP44Check precedence rules with the protocol teamDraft aim: prepare precedence questions for the protocol team rather than inferring order from names or titles alone.◷In preparation
45. EP45Prepare name cards and check pronunciationDraft aim: check name cards against confirmed details and prepare how to pronounce guests’ names correctly.◷In preparation
46. EP46Draft a seating plan for the responsible person to reviewDraft aim: draft a seating plan with reasons and open questions for the responsible reviewer.◷In preparation
47. EP47Collect only necessary dietary and accessibility informationDraft aim: design dietary and accessibility questions that collect only necessary information with limited access.◷In preparation
48. EP48Plan travel and meeting points without oversharing informationDraft aim: prepare usable travel and meeting-point instructions, sharing details according to each recipient’s needs.◷In preparation
49. EP49Rehearse the running order and backup planDraft aim: rehearse the sequence and prepare alternatives if people, equipment or timing change.◷In preparation
50. EP50Review improvements after an event without blaming peopleDraft aim: use evidence to identify what worked and what to improve next time without assigning blame.◷In preparation

Check the country, personnel category and procedural scope before applying guidance

Draft topics. Titles and order may change before release.

51. EP51Read the host country’s protocol guidance and check its versionDraft aim: check a guide’s country, version and date, distinguishing guidance from requirements needing further verification.◷In preparation
52. EP52Distinguish diplomatic, consular and international-organisation personnelDraft aim: identify the personnel category before looking up procedures rather than assuming identical conditions for all groups.◷In preparation
53. EP53Separate position, duties and accreditation categoryDraft aim: record position, duties and accreditation category separately rather than treating them as interchangeable.◷In preparation
54. EP54Plan the document checklist for taking up dutiesDraft aim: draft a checklist of documents for taking up duties from specified sources and identify what needs confirmation.◷In preparation
55. EP55Distinguish visas, permission to stay and re-entryDraft aim: separate questions about visas, permission to stay and re-entry before checking the relevant procedure.◷In preparation
56. EP56Check procedures for identity cards and their returnDraft aim: read the relevant issue, use and return procedures without inferring entitlement from an identity card alone.◷In preparation
57. EP57Check how to report changes or the end of an assignmentDraft aim: identify changes and assignment endings that need reporting, then check the recipient and required evidence.◷In preparation
58. EP58Review documents for privileges without confirming entitlementDraft aim: organise documents for a privileges request using the stated source without confirming the applicant’s entitlement.◷In preparation
59. EP59When the guidance does not fit: prepare questions for the responsible authorityDraft aim: turn the case facts and gaps in the guidance into specific questions for the responsible authority.◷In preparation
60. EP60Compare two countries without transferring rules between themDraft aim: compare the scope and sources of two countries without applying one country’s requirements to the other.◷In preparation

Organise versions, access and evidence so others can continue the work

Draft topics. Titles and order may change before release.

61. EP61Name files for easy retrieval without oversharingDraft aim: design searchable filenames with necessary topic, date and version details while avoiding unnecessary personal data.◷In preparation
62. EP62Distinguish drafts, approved versions and versions actually sentDraft aim: organise fictional files by draft, approval and actual dispatch status with evidence for each stage.◷In preparation
63. EP63Practise keeping an incoming and outgoing document registerDraft aim: build a traceable register from fictional documents using only necessary fields.◷In preparation
64. EP64Find documents by subject, reference and dateDraft aim: search by reference, date and keywords, then verify that the result is the intended document.◷In preparation
65. EP65Assign access according to responsibilitiesDraft aim: choose reading or editing access by role in a fictional case rather than granting it to everyone.◷In preparation
66. EP66Redact information in learning examplesDraft aim: review teaching examples and redact details that could identify people or real work.◷In preparation
67. EP67Retain information according to your organisation’s policyDraft aim: read the assigned retention policy and distinguish records to keep, review or refer for a decision.◷In preparation
68. EP68Hand over work for leave or a change of responsibilityDraft aim: prepare handover notes covering open tasks, key deadlines and where to find information during an absence.◷In preparation
69. EP69Prepare evidence for a work reviewDraft aim: match work conclusions to supporting evidence so a reviewer can follow the reasoning.◷In preparation
70. EP70Record errors and corrections while preserving the historyDraft aim: record errors, corrections and dates while preserving the necessary versions and evidence.◷In preparation

Compare offers, check approval and verify delivery against the agreed scope

Draft topics. Titles and order may change before release.

71. EP71Define requirements before requesting a quoteDraft aim: define scope, deliverables and key conditions before requesting a supplier’s proposal.◷In preparation
72. EP72Compare quotes for the same scope of workDraft aim: put fictional offers into a common comparison table to reveal service differences and missing information.◷In preparation
73. EP73Check what a price includes and excludesDraft aim: separate included services from costs or extras that need further questions.◷In preparation
74. EP74Distinguish currencies, taxes and feesDraft aim: compare stated currencies, taxes and fees without combining amounts on different bases.◷In preparation
75. EP75Check approval authority before accepting an offerDraft aim: check spending limits, scope and authority in a fictional procedure before drafting acceptance.◷In preparation
76. EP76Record changes to the scope of workDraft aim: record requested changes, effects on cost and timing, and approval status separately.◷In preparation
77. EP77Check delivery against evidence and agreed criteriaDraft aim: compare delivered work with agreed criteria and record gaps rather than accepting it on impression alone.◷In preparation
78. EP78Check invoices against approved workDraft aim: match an invoice to approved scope and work evidence, asking questions when amounts differ.◷In preparation
79. EP79Verify requests to change payment details through a trusted channelDraft aim: plan independent verification of changed payment details through a trusted channel rather than relying on the questionable message.◷In preparation
80. EP80Summarise supplier work and outstanding itemsDraft aim: summarise deliverables, outstanding issues and next-step owners before closing a supplier file.◷In preparation

Use AI to draft, verify against originals and preserve information boundaries

Draft topics. Titles and order may change before release.

81. EP81Choose what AI may draft and what people must decideDraft aim: separate drafting and organisation tasks AI can assist with from decisions people must own.◷In preparation
82. EP82Replace real information with fictional data before testingDraft aim: replace real details with fictional examples that preserve the exercise without exposing people or documents.◷In preparation
83. EP83Prompt with context, an intended result and clear limitsDraft aim: write instructions with context, the desired result and assumptions the AI must not add.◷In preparation
84. EP84Check AI answers against the original sourceDraft aim: compare an answer with the original point by point and correct omissions, additions or changed meaning.◷In preparation
85. EP85Check that a cited source exists and supports the claimDraft aim: open a cited source and check the supporting passage rather than trusting its name or link alone.◷In preparation
86. EP86Use AI to summarise meetings without inventing decisionsDraft aim: check an AI meeting summary against the record and distinguish proposals from decisions.◷In preparation
87. EP87Translate specialised terms without losing limits or exceptionsDraft aim: compare a translation with the original while preserving specialised terms, conditions and exceptions.◷In preparation
88. EP88When evidence is missing, say what cannot yet be verifiedDraft aim: draft an answer that states what remains unverified and what needs checking instead of inventing a conclusion.◷In preparation
89. EP89Watch for hidden instructions in documents and websitesDraft aim: distinguish source information from hidden instructions trying to redirect the task or reveal data.◷In preparation
90. EP90Build a test question set before sharing an AI toolDraft aim: build tests for ordinary, ambiguous and unsupported questions before proposing a tool for others to use.◷In preparation

Combine skills from intake to handover and update them when sources change

Draft topics. Titles and order may change before release.

91. EP91Take a fictional request and prioritise what you need to knowDraft aim: separate known facts, questions and first actions in a fictional request.◷In preparation
92. EP92Choose the recipient and channel using the assigned guidanceDraft aim: use the assigned guide to choose a recipient and channel and explain the supporting evidence.◷In preparation
93. EP93Prepare a document pack and checklistDraft aim: assemble fictional documents and check completeness, versions, recipients and approval together.◷In preparation
94. EP94Plan a meeting across countriesDraft aim: combine time zones, agenda design and preparation into one cross-country meeting plan.◷In preparation
95. EP95Organise an event with a backup planDraft aim: connect guests, schedule, responsibilities and alternatives in a fictional event plan.◷In preparation
96. EP96Handle missing documents and send a corrected versionDraft aim: handle a missing-document case by checking versions and drafting a correction while preserving dispatch history.◷In preparation
97. EP97Take over a task and identify missing informationDraft aim: review a handover file for open tasks and missing information before continuing the work.◷In preparation
98. EP98Update a lesson when official sources changeDraft aim: identify lesson passages affected by a changed source and propose corrections with version history.◷In preparation
99. EP99Test the knowledge base with potentially confusing questionsDraft aim: use ambiguous or incomplete questions to test whether answers stay within evidence and ask for missing context.◷In preparation
100. EP100Final task: hand over complete, verifiable work and know when to askDraft aim: hand over a complete fictional case file with reasoning, evidence and questions that remain unresolved.◷In preparation