Meet the Instructor
Claude Panneton
Claude Panneton is a former public service executive with over 20 years of communications experience including risk and crisis communications, issues management, strategic communications and oversight of departmental public environment analysis, public opinion research and media monitoring.
Testimonials
"Practical exercises that contributed to learning"
"The group exercises were very constructive, especially the discussions afterwards"
"The exercises were great! Really helpful"
"Very hands-on and detailed"
"Very informative; excellent handouts and exercises; interesting discussion"
G040
WRITING EFFECTIVE BRIEFING NOTES
NOTE: The workshop content described below will be delivered through ZOOM ONLINE on two consecutive half-day sessions. Agendas and other relevant workshop documentation will be sent to you by the workshop instructor at least three days prior to the date of the first session.
WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?
The briefing note is an essential communication and decision-making tool in government and other organizations. It is written to present emerging issues, explore plans of action and inform decisions.
Today’s senior managers are overloaded with ever-increasing information, and they need to know what is important as they make decisions. The ability to provide concise, clear and relevant analysis in writing is a key skill.
WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?
- The purpose and structure of a briefing note
- How to approach and organize a briefing note
- How to write in a clear and concise manner
- How to express the issue succinctly and summarize information
- How to produce briefing notes that meet departmental requirements
WHAT WILL YOU TAKE AWAY?
- Presentation slides in the form of a participant notebook
- Useful templates, exercises and checklists
PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES
- Thinking Things Through: Innovating through analysis and ideas
| Agenda | |
|---|---|
| 8:45 - 9:00 | Introductions and Workshop Overview |
| 9:00 - 9:45 | Why We Write Briefing Notes
Participants consider the fast-paced environment and discuss why senior decision-makers require timely, accurate, concise information and advice. |
| 9:45 - 10:30 | Writing Clearly
Participants review tips for writing clearly, and practice in a series of exercises. |
| 10:30 - 10:45 | Health Break |
| 10:45 - 11:30 | The Writing Process
Participants discuss the steps to take as they prepare to write a briefing note. Participants study how to write in plain language. |
| 11:30 - 12:00 | What is the Context of your Briefing Note?
Participants discuss how to address the Who, What, Why, and When of any briefing note they are asked to prepare. |
| 12:00 - 1:00 | Lunch |
| 1:00 - 2:00 | Structure of the Briefing Note
Participants examine the main sections of a briefing note (Issue, Key Considerations, Options, Recommendation). Using a scenario, the class discusses the possible content for each section. |
| 2:00 - 3:15 | Writing the Briefing Note
Recap of principles and practices in crafting the briefing note. |
| 3:15 - 3:30 | Health Break |
| 3:30 - 4:15 | Briefing Note Group Presentations
Each group presents its completed briefing note. Participants discuss the notes and lessons learned. |
| 4:15 - 4:30 | Wrap-up and Workshop Evaluation
Instructor sums up the key points and participants complete a short evaluation. |