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Tips for the Timid and the Bold

 

Introduction

Affect Them With Intent
"Communicating Intent and Imparting Presence" by Lt. Col. Lawrence G. Shattuck
What a Good Briefing Will Cover
Tips for the Timid and the Bold
Ten Commandments of Good Listening

Briefings may be something you do on a regular basis and are comfortable doing them, but you might want to improve the effectiveness of your briefings:

  • Consider the audience listening and tailor the message accordingly.
  • Avoid the use of unnecessary jargon or slang.
  • Speak clearly, and make eye contact with the listeners.
  • Try to give the briefing in an environment that will not be interrupted by intrusive sounds.
  • Pay attention to the feedback you receive from a briefing…does it reflect that you imparted accurate information? If not, why not?


Or you may not have a lot of experience in delivering briefings. In that case:

  • Use the inside back cover of the Incident Response Pocket Guide to guide your briefing.
  • Practice giving briefings and have a supervisor or co-worker critique you.
  • Ask your supervisor if you can have an opportunity to prepare and deliver actual briefings during appropriate situations.
  • Listen to briefings of others using the Incident Response Pocket Guide back cover and ask for any information that is missing.
  • Recognize that nervousness while speaking in front of a crowd is common. In one study, 77% of experienced speakers admitted to some stage fright on each speaking occasion. In another study, people had a greater fear of public speaking than death. Overcome your anxiety by being well-prepared with your message, use the Incident Response Pocket Guide back cover as an organizer and get comfortable delivering briefings by doing them often.
 

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LEADERSHIP TOOLBOX REFERENCE
June 2003

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