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
Sample Agenda
| Activity |
|---|
| Introductions and Workshop Overview |
| Why We Write Briefing Notes Participants consider the fast-paced environment and discuss why senior decision-makers require timely, accurate, concise information and advice. |
| Writing Clearly Participants review tips for writing clearly, and practice in a series of exercises. |
| BREAK |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| LUNCH |
| 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. |
| Writing the Briefing Note Recap of principles and practices in crafting the briefing note. Participants read a case study and discuss the issue. Participants work in groups to prepare a briefing note. |
| BREAK |
| Briefing Note Group Presentations Each group presents its completed briefing note. Participants discuss the notes and lessons learned. |
| Wrap-up and Workshop Evaluation Instructor sums up the key points and participants complete a short evaluation. |
You folks have the best materials! I thank you and your colleagues for your continued support. It’s one of the reasons we continue to come back!
Manager, The Canadian Medical Protective Association