Chanakya Strategy Coach
Diplomatic Speech
Day 17
The Art of Diplomacy
Chanakya trained his ambassadors to always speak the truth — because a diplomat caught lying once loses trust forever. But they were also trained to stay quiet about their real intentions when it mattered. The rule: whatever you say must be true. But what you choose not to say is a separate, deliberate decision. This is not lying. It's professional restraint.
Reflection
In your most important conversations, where do you overshare — revealing positions before they need to be revealed? What drives that impulse?
Today's Practice
In your next difficult conversation, practice saying only what you need to say. Before speaking, ask: is this true, necessary, and timely? If not all three, hold it.
Arthashastra 1.16