BASICS OF BRIEFING

overview Keys to a Successful Briefing Planning Organizing Implementing

PLANNING

Characteristics ABCs of Briefing Accuracy Brevity Clarity

Purpose Why are you briefing? To Inform To Advocate

Who? Analyze your audience Background Attitude Rank

Research Answer potential questions Get the facts Use your experience Interview experts Printed materials/internet

Methods Manuscript Memorized Impromptu Prepared

ORGANIZATION

Format Introduction Greeting Intro self/subject Overview Body Main Points Conclusion Summary Closure

Introduction Greeting Good morning/afternoon Ma’am/Sir Introduce self/subject I’m…and I’m going to brief you on… Overview State main points; preview what’s to come

Body Main points Give facts Present support material Incorporate sources Balance between main points

ORGANIZATION Transitions Help flow from one idea to the next Signal audience

Conclusion Summary State topic and main points Do not rebrief or add new information Closure End by stating: “This concludes my briefing. Are there any questions?”

Recap Introduction TELL ‘EM what you’re going to tell them Body Conclusion TELL ‘EM what you told them

Implementing

IMPLEMENTING Visual Aids Delivery Practice

VISUAL AIDS - Purpose Serve as notes Clarify meaning Enhance retention Keep audience focused Provide direction

Visual aids - Tips Keep simple, clear, and relevant Large enough to be seen Know standard for command/organization Don’t talk to the visual aid or read it Know the equipment

DELIVERY TECHNIQUES Appearance Voice Eye contact and facial expression Movement Gestures Military bearing Notes

APPEARANCE Sets tone for briefing Completely under your control

Voice Three C’s Clearly Correctly Conversationally Variety (rate, pitch, volume) creates interest, motivates

EYE CONTACT & FACIAL EXPRESSION Direct and impartial Establishes credibility and shows interest Receive non-verbal feedback Enhances delivery Use good facial expression, not “dead pan” face

Movement Military briefings are usually given from behind lectern Limited movement Reasonable and purposeful Make a point Add emphasis Don’t over do it *

GESTURES Purposeful Point toward slide for emphasis Keep natural, don’t fidget or shuffle papers Beware of poor timing

MILITARY BEARING Never lose it Limit apology Keep going

NOTES Number your cards Keep information brief Timing cues Watch gestures with cards…

PRACTICE Eliminate stage fright Be prepared and enthusiastic

Practice - Strategies Where you will brief With an audience Ask for feedback Don’t rush the beginning Know the intro “cold” Eliminate verbal pauses

SUMMARY Planning Organizing Implementing

Conclusion Keys to a Successful Briefing Planning Organizing Implementing

“Make sure you have finished speaking before your audience has finished listening.” Dorothy Snaroff