Military Briefings

Terminal Learning Objective Action: Conduct an Information Briefing Conditions: Given a task to provide an information briefing to a superior officer in a classroom setting, an assigned presentation time, materials to research the assigned topic, student handout, writing materials, a standard collegiate dictionary, materials for delivery aids (charts, viewgraphs, handouts, or slide projectors) appropriate for the task and purpose, briefing text or notes, and a requirement to wear the appropriate military dress. Standard: The briefing must meet the standards as set forth in Appendix B4.

References Number Title Date Para no. Additional information FM 101-5 Staff Organization & Operations 31 May 97 App. E. None

Administrative Notes SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS NONE RISK ASSESSMENT LOW ENVIRON. CONSIDERATIONS NONE EVALUATION YES

Sooner or later …. you will be measured largely by how well you communicate verbally. Your task may be to provide an information briefing or a decision briefing. It doesn't matter how technically or tactically proficient you are. If you cannot communicate, you will not be successful on or off the battlefield.

Enabling Learning Objective 1 Action: Determine the 4 types of Military Briefings Conditions: Classroom Instruction Standards: FM 101-5, Staff Organization & Operations

4 Types of Military Briefings Information Briefing to inform Decision Briefing to obtain a decision Mission Briefing the mission is….. Staff Briefing combined staff action for Cdr

Question Question: What is the definition of an Information Brief? Answer: Is to inform. Never introduce a decision into an information brief.

Question Question: What is the definition of an Decision Brief? Answer: Is to obtain a decision from the decision maker. You never make a decision. You may, however, recommend a course of action with the decision make will approve or disapprove.

Question Question: What is the definition of an Mission Brief? Answer: Is to state what the mission is, the objective, intent and desired End State.

Question Question: What is the definition of an Staff Brief? Answer: Is a combined staff action under the supervision of the unit’s Executive Officer. Staff briefing are used for many purposes. Namely, to inform the Commander what his/her unit is or is not doing and to ask for command guidance, as needed.

Enabling Learning Objective 2 Action: Conduct an Information Briefing Conditions: Given a scenario to provide an information briefing to a superior officer in a classroom setting, a specified briefing time, and access to student materials and necessary references. Standards: Correctly identify five strengths and five weaknesses in an information briefing.

Which Briefing format will we focus on? Information Briefing to inform Decision Briefing to obtain a decision Mission Briefing the mission is….. Staff Briefing combined staff action for Cdr

Characteristics Is to inform your listener. Deals primarily with facts To make the audience better informed Does not include recommendations in the conclusion. Present only that background material that is essential An information briefing forms an essential part of the other type of briefings.

5 Steps in the Briefing Process Research the topic Plan your briefing Deliver a practice briefing Revise you briefing Deliver the final briefing

STEP 1: Research the Topic Obtain all available information Write detailed notes Organize your notes Determine the purpose of the brief Determine the role of the briefer Determine who the audience is Determine the setting Determine the time constraints What is the requirement? What is my role? Who is my audience? What’s the setting? What’s the timing?

Step 2: Plan your brief Refine the thesis statement Plan the major parts Sort the major parts Plan the minor parts Write a draft introduction Write a draft conclusion Organize in a manner which allows the listener to grasp the speaker's thoughts the first time he/she hears it. must be direct and concise Planning Goal: to have an outline that includes your thesis statement, major and minor parts, verbal supports, illustrations, transitions and use the briefing setting to your advantage

Step 3: Practice Brief Rehearse Use a murder board You might find that you need to work on: voice enunciation rate of speech body language Gestures poise movement visuals aids Use a murder board What factors might you learn from a murder board about your brief? voice enunciation rate of speech body language Gestures poise movement visuals aids

Step 4: Revise your Brief Focus on your audience’s perspective Validate your introduction Validate the body of your presentation Validate your conclusion Review your style Revise as necessary and rehearse again Repeat as often as necessary Identify what went well during practice. Identify what went not-so-well during practice. If something is identified that does not support your brief, delete it. Make revision and rehearse again. Repeat as often as necessary.

Step 5: Deliver the Brief Be prepared to handle audio-visual if used Develop a method of answering questions Be prepared to handle Murphy

Briefing Tips – Visual Aids Should be simple neat legible illustrates key points

Briefing Tips – Staff Officer’s Guide Use conventional capitalization Use bullet comments Don’t crowd Be consistent Font size and style Parallel construction Contrasting colors Graphics and animation relative to topic Focus (don’t distract)

Briefing Tips – Computer Generated Use contrasting colors Don’t overcrowd Test under actual conditions Slide content should complement the briefing

Briefing Tips - VGTs Use a template for local production Use contrasting colors Don’t overcrowd Develop a technique for changing VGTs

Briefing Tips – Video /CD Ensure audio/video quality Preview on-site for viewing clarity Know how to operate the device

Briefing Tips – Desk Side Ensure readability Prepare “talking notes” on reverse Learn to set up and use the device Insure readability Prepare “talking notes” on reverse Learn to set up and use the device

Check on Learning: ELO #2 Question: What are the 5 steps in the briefing process? Answer: Research the topic Plan your briefing Deliver a practice briefing Revise you briefing Deliver the final briefing

Check on Learning: ELO #2 Question: What is the definition of an Information Brief? Answer: Is to inform. Never introduce a decision into an information brief.

Enabling Learning Objective 3 Action: Information Brief Format Conditions: Given a scenario to provide an information briefing to a superior officer in a classroom setting, a specified briefing time, and access to student materials and necessary references. Standards: TSP 158-G-0020, Appendix B

Information Brief Format Introduction Greeting Purpose Procedure Body Organization Plan for effective, smoothly executed transitions Use visual aids effectively Conclusion Ask for questions Concluding statement Announce next briefer, if appropriate

Enabling Learning Objective 4 Action: Critique an Information Briefing Conditions: Given a scenario to provide an information briefing to a superior officer in a classroom setting, a specified briefing time, and access to student materials and necessary references. Standards: Correctly identify evaluation criteria

Presentation Evaluation Divided into 4 sections - Introduction - Body of Presentation - Conclusion - Overall comments

Introduction (a) Attention Step (b) Thesis statement (c) Main Points

Body of Presentation (a) Assumptions (b) Support (c) Analysis (d) Transitions (e) Visual Aids

Conclusion Did the speaker review the ideas and relationships of his / her major points and conclude with the thesis statement. Did the speaker introduce new material in the conclusion?

Overall Comments Did the speaker convince you? What made this a good speech? What distracted you? What other problems did you see?

Review Appendix D See handout: Evaluating Presentations

Check on Learning: ELO #4 Question: What are the 4 evaluation sections? Answer: - Introduction - Body of Presentation - Conclusion - Overall comments

Enabling Learning Objective 5 Action: Prepare an Information Briefing Conditions: Given a scenario to provide an information briefing to a superior officer in a classroom setting, a specified briefing time, and access to student materials and necessary references. Standards: Correctly complete all steps in preparation for a briefing to include research, plan, draft, revision and proof.

Practical Exercise Prepare an information briefing Rehearses information briefing Topic: Any topic desired Time limit: 4-6 minutes Evaluations: by students Hint: use your imagination

Summary 4 types of Military Briefings Conduct an Information Briefing Information Brief Format Critique an Information Briefing Prepare an Information Briefing

Conclusion Huah! Being able to effectively give an Information brief in the proper format is an invaluable tool that be mastered as a young officer