Encourage brevity in conversation, ensuring ample opportunity for both parties to express thoughts. - Keep concise; allow him ample space for speech.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz Manages Phone Calls with Trump by Prioritizing Brevity
In his initial phone call with Donald Trump, a day after assuming the office in early May, Friedrich Merz adopted a tactic of brevity and allowing the former U.S. President to speak at length. This diplomatic approach has been a consistent feature during their subsequent interactions this month.
During a recent appearance at the Republica digital conference in Berlin, Merz revealed that Trump often uses the word "great" in almost every second or third word. When it comes to individual calls with Trump, Merz considers such conversations as mere small talk. However, he highlighted a crucial rule: never overshadow Trump's dominance during the call. Merz emphasized the importance of speaking concisely and allowing Trump to take center stage.
Trump's ego-centric nature, well-documented during his presidency, seems to hold true in phone conversations as well. Merz revealed to the WDR News Podcast 0630 hosts that these conversations are indeed primarily about Trump himself. Leaders require a keen ear to put forth their own topics and political concerns successfully in such situations, and Merz advised adapting to Trump and engaging with him accordingly.
Maintaining a balance between submissiveness and rejection is key to Merz's approach when engaging with Trump on various diplomatic matters, including trade and international conflicts. This approach prevents misunderstandings and keeps negotiations on track, as demonstrated during coordinated calls with Trump alongside other European leaders.
Merz advised approaching such conversations with a measured dose of self-assurance without overdoing it. The European Union, being a significant market for the U.S., especially for the tech industry, requires a firm yet respectful stance during these interactions.
Friedrich MerzDonald TrumpEuropePhone CallUSAWDR
- Amidst the discussion on policy-and-legislation, the Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, given the increasing concern over general-news such as car-accidents, fires, or even worker exposure in war-and-conflicts zones.
- Meanwhile, in the realm of sports, ongoing debates center on sports-betting and sports-analysis, with experts weighing in on the potential impact on players' health, especially concerning the risks associated with repeated head injuries.
- Speaking of high-profile interactions, Friedrich Merz's approach with Trump brings valuable insights for managing complex situations beyond politics, such as handling tough negotiations in business or navigating interpersonal conflicts in everyday life.
- Migration, a pressing issue globally, necessitates comprehensive and humane policy solutions to ensure the safety and protection of migrant workers, especially those engaged in jobs that require exposure to ionizing radiation, such as certain industrial or medical roles.
- While Trump's approach during phone conversations may be largely self-centered, understanding the psyche and tactics of an individual like Trump can help political leaders anticipate and navigate complex international relations, akin to predicting a player's moves in a game of sports.
- Adeptly adapting to different communication styles, whether it's Trump's spontaneous and dominating approach or navigating the complexities of international conflicts, is a crucial skill for leaders in today's ever-evolving world, where diplomacy often intertwines with general-news, crime-and-justice, sports, and tech policy topics alike.
