Splendid Isolation

By Klaus Döring

From the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English in splendid isolation used to emphasize that something is not with other things The house sits in splendid isolation on top of a steep hill.

“Splendid Isolation” refers to a British foreign policy of the late 19th century, particularly during the Conservative governments of Lord Salisbury, where Britain aimed to remain aloof from the traditional European balance of power system, focusing instead on its global empire. This policy involved avoiding permanent alliances and entangling commitments in European affairs, while still maintaining a strong naval presence and protecting its imperial interests. The policy was ultimately abandoned due to the rise of Germany and the need for allies to safeguard Britain’s position.

Social anxiety is the single most common psychological problem according to innumerable survey results worldwide. The magnificent, gorgeous and excellent isolation, resulting from being nervous when meeting people is really the opposite. The state of being isolated reminds me of being in a hospital with an infectious disease.

Does the project of giving a speech or going to a social gathering give you the willies?

Relax, there are always ways and solutions to help you by teaching you “never to be nervous again”.

During the last weeks, I experienced several situations meeting new people, asking questions, replying to questions and delivering speeches.

I have always been the most silent pupil in elementary and high school. I was ashamed even to talk to or with my teachers. Several terrible school records have been the result. But, I wanted to become a journalist. I am still one. And, I am teaching in Davao at the University of Southeastern Philippines, as some of you might know already.

During college times and while writing my first articles, I learned from my first boss, a daily news publisher, to avoid being nervous while meeting people. I was always prepared. Preparation for any communicating situation is a must. I have been invited to many parties and gatherings. I always asked for the guest list. I scanned all the newspapers and browsed the net.

“In your opinion, who…” or “What do you think of…?” kept the momentum going. That was sometime during the 1960’s. Since that time, I was just very lucky to always meet the right people at the right time and place, which kept on teaching me how to avoid splendid isolation. Whether you’re delivering a speech, approaching your boss, or joining an important social occasion, do your homework first.

The most polished, smoothly delivered and spontaneous sounding talks are the result of many hours of work and years long experiences. The memorable one-liners and moving phrases that went down in history didn’t come from the last-minute bursts of inspiration.

I also learned from Harvard University historian Richard Marius, “that good writing is a kind of wrestling with thought”. Or, as New York Times columnist William Safire expressed before: “To communicate, put your thoughts in order, give them a purpose, use them to persuade, to instruct, to discover, to seduce!”

Let’s not forget that everyone has something to be proud of, and that everyone enjoys talking about it. But you have to make it happen!

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