1. PPA 503 – The Public Policy- Making Process Lecture 8c – How to Inform Policy Makers in a Briefing Memo or Opinion Statement

2. Introduction  Goal: Recognition of meaningful information in a mass of details and representation highlighting the significance of information for a user.  Objective: Skills of distilling, listening, recording, observing, evaluating sources, relating details to context, interpreting details accurately in context, and selecting details according to relevance; capability of stating informed opinion that is aware of and responsive to other opinions.

3. Introduction  Product: One- to two-page written memo, or one- to-two paragraph written statement, possibly with attachments.  Scope: Only essential topics in an identified context to target a specific information need.

4. Introduction  Strategy: Why is this communication necessary? What is the subject? What is the purpose? What will this communication do? What can happen as a result? What is the context? What is the situation of reception? Why are you providing the information?

5. Task #1. Develop the Information  From meetings. Attendance, notes, handouts, statements.  From varied sources. Publications and materials Consultation.  From informed reflection and analysis. Update, summarize, consult.

6. Task #2, Write the Memo or Statement.  Chapter 2 method.  Quick comprehension and ready use.  Choose the right presentation.  Stationery, header, overview, etc.