Briefing Paper Overview

Purpose: A concise and well-organized document that outlines an issue and provides its background and proposed solutions for decision makers with tight schedules Section Structure: 1) Introduction/issue Introduce the issue and explain the importance, provide key messages of paper,
at minimum the subject matter and preferred outcome 2) Background Provide enough background information to understand most recent developments, but NOT a historical timeline. No need to restate issue, but provide additional relevant factors not included in Intro/Issue 3) Proposal State what actions you recommend. Start with most important information such as key findings and potential solutions 4) Closing Summarize the issue, your analysis, and your recommendation. Describe and explain why its the ideal path using data and facts

Good to Great: Describe the issue distinguish cause from symptoms (cause symptom result) Meet the needs of the audience use simply language, avoid confusing details, proactively
answer readers questions. (e.g. break down process into relevant sections) Propose a set of solutions persuade the audience. Present multiple possible solutions/scenarios, and provide history/evidence to effectiveness in other situations if applicable. Outline consequences and explain cost/impact. Be specific and include facts to show thorough contemplation Formatting & appendices use subheadings and bullets, include any important statistics/charts
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