GUIDELINES TO NRDC feb 24 2014

Preparation, ContinuedAnalyzeaudienceConsiderbackgroundof outsidersStartdraftingslidesGauge andallocate timeFollow rulesof thumbBe flexibleWhen assigned a briefing, ask these questions immediately:x Who is my audience?x What do they want?x How much do they know about the subject?x What is their background?x What is their position on contentious issues to be raised?x What are their hidden agendas?Get this information from audience members, if possible. If not, get it from yourinformation network or staffers who work with the people involved.If briefing outsiders unfamiliar with the subject, take these measures:x Adjust your presentation to their level of understanding.x Limit scope and detail of the subject.x Don't use jargon, acronyms, or technical terms.If preparing a decision paper you'll also brief, don't wait until you've finishedthe paper before starting on the briefing. Start drafting slides while writing thepaper. This will help to structure both paper and briefing.To gauge and allocate time, follow these guidelines:x Mentally rehearse to estimate time required.x Confirm with a live rehearsal.x Request a block of time from the tasking authority (may have to negotiate).x Adjust presentation to the time allotted.x Also prepare a condensed version, should your time get cut at the last minute.To gauge and allocate time, follow these rules of thumb:x Allow about two minutes for presentation of each slide.x Remember: the higher the rank of the audience, the shorter the briefing.When briefing a flag officer or SES, expect no more than thirty minutes.x Allow one-third of allotted time for interruptions and questions.Officials often run behind schedule. Your decision briefing could get cut fromthirty minutes to five. If that happens, just show three slides and give thedecision maker a hard copy of the full briefing.x Statement of the problem.x Recommendation.x Alternatives considered.NRDC GRC – Staff Handbook 9-7