BASICS OF

BRIEFING

Keys to a Successful Briefing

Planning

Organizing

Implementing

ABCs of Briefing

Accuracy

Brevity

Clarity

Why are you briefing?

To Inform

To Advocate

Analyze your audience

Background

Attitude

Rank

Answer potential questions

Get the facts

Use your experience

Interview experts

Printed materials/internet

Manuscript

Memorized

Impromptu

Prepared

Introduction

Greeting

Intro self/subject

Overview

Body

Main Points

Conclusion

Summary

Closure

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

Main points

Give facts

Present support material

Incorporate sources

Balance between main

points

Transitions

Help flow from one idea to

the next

Signal audience

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?”

Introduction

TELL ‘EM what you’re going to

tell them

Body

TELL ‘EM

Conclusion

TELL ‘EM what you told them

Visual Aids

Delivery

Practice

Serve as notes

Clarify meaning

Enhance retention

Keep audience focused

Provide direction

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

Appearance

Voice

Eye contact and facial

expression

Movement

Gestures

Military bearing

Notes

Sets tone for briefing

Completely under your

control

Three C’s

Clearly

Correctly

Conversationally

Variety (rate, pitch, volume) creates

interest, motivates

Eye contact

Direct and impartial

Establishes credibility and shows interest

Receive non-verbal feedback

Enhances delivery

Use good facial expression, not “dead pan” face

Military briefings are usually given

from behind lectern

Limited movement

Reasonable and purposeful

o Make a point

o Add emphasis

o Don’t over do it *

Purposeful

Point toward slide for emphasis

Keep natural, don’t fidget or shuffle

papers

Beware of poor timing

Never lose it

Limit apology

Keep going

Number your cards

Keep information brief

Timing cues

Watch gestures with cards…

Eliminate stage fright

Be prepared and enthusiastic

Keys to a Successful Briefing

Planning

Organizing

Implementing