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.

LEADERSHIP TOOLBOX REFERENCE
June 2010