Effective Intelligence Briefings: A Guide for Intelligence Officers and Educator
Available in paperback
This book is divided into two parts: The first part deals with preparing and giving an intelligence briefing. It is organized around both the basic principles common to all briefing introductions and the unique aspects of an intelligence briefing. The second part is a proven approach to teaching effective intelligence briefings.
Briefing and writing finished intelligence are the two main pillars of an intelligence analyst’s career. Yes, collection in all forms and analysis of raw intelligence are integral, vital parts of the profession, but all the collection and analysis are for naught if the results are not conveyed to policymakers and decision makers in time to help them make decisions and formulate policy.Psychological profiles have shown intelligence analysts are overwhelmingly introverts. So, the analysis and writing, which most often are done in the confines of a small office or cubicle, are right up their alley. Briefing, however, is not something that many intelligence analysts like. Indeed, I have known some who would do anything they could to avoid standing in front of people, much less giving a formal briefing to VIPs.
Whether you are an introvert or an extrovert, there are certain concerns and problems we all share. And in briefing, just as in writing, an intelligence analyst needs to practice and get as much experience as possible to hone the skills.
All statements of fact, opinion, or analysis expressed in this book are those of the author and do not reflect the official positions of The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) or any other US Government agency. Nothing in the contents should be construed as asserting or applying US Government authentication of information or CIA endorsement of the author’s views. This book and its contents have been reviewed by the CIA to prevent the disclosure of classified material.