Robert Ausura Writing

Here in Washington, D.C. there is great demand for technical folks (scholars, scientists, consultants) to brief nontechnical folks (legislators, military commanders, corporate executives) about what they're doing. Some of these briefings are strictly for information. Others are to argue a position, raise funds, or lobby for votes.

If you've been asked to give a technical briefing or prepare a video that to be used in briefings, keep these points in mind:

Keep it short. The entire briefing should take no more than 7-8 minutes. A video used in a briefing should run 5 minutes or less.
Include only what your audience needs to know. Technical details that are fascinating to you and your colleagues may mean little to a decision-maker looking for one or two strong points to hang his support on. In planning your presentation, focus on identifying those points.
Keep your message broadly brushed. Hit the high points hard and skim over the rest. If the admiral wants details, he'll ask.
Don't just tell--SHOW. People remember best what they hear and see together. This is why Powerpoint and video have become such popular briefing tools. They links the message to strong visual images. And even a CEO likes to be entertained.
State clearly what you want. If you want their vote, their money or their recommendation, ask for it. Don't make them ask you why you're there.
Give your audience a reason to pay attention. Tell them how the subject of your briefing relates to them. Make clear the advantages of supporting your work or your position. Create a reason for your audience to support you.

I n a sentence: Keep It Short & Simple--short to keep their attention, simple to make it clear and interesting.