8+ Briefing Note Templates – Sample, Example
A briefing note is a short document containing details informing a decision-maker regarding a specific issue. A briefing note is a type of note that’s considered a quick and effective tool for notifying issues.
In creating a note similar to a briefing note, you must consider guidelines, tips, and other measures in making the actual document, or simply use a note template for a better work.
Legal Briefing
Board Briefing
Business Note
Post-Event Note
Meeting Briefing
Briefing Note Basics
A briefing note’s function is to quickly and easily inform a decision-maker regarding an issue that needs an immediate attention, especially those issues they are held responsible for. Some decision-makers are the people working in the government. They usually use a briefing note to communicate with government managers.
Complex information is then well-structured making them brief, clear, and concise. Briefing notes usually accord with issues but most importantly, they cater policies, reports, and actions too, especially with government.
This type of document is specially formulated for decision-makers
- who are monitoring and keeping track of many issues, often unrelated ones;
- who have or have no background with some issues they will be dealing with;
- who do not have enough time for research; and
- those who need versions of key points, considerations, and relevant information of the issues.
A good briefing note follows an effective briefing note template in word or has the following characteristics:
- comes in a one- or two-page document, always short as possible for immediate spread of information;
- has a clear organization of ideas and information;
- is concise, hence using appropriate words preventing misinterpretations;
- has reliable sources of the information stated, should be accurate too and unclear points and ideas should be given emphasis;
- is easy to read and uses a plain language that is understandable by many.
Project Briefing
Sample Note
Policy Briefing
Example Briefing Note
The Structure of a Briefing Note
Since a briefing note is bearing information regarding an issue, writing and issuing this type of document shall adhere few certain measures and structure to be followed in order to create a good and effective one.
Although some notes follow outline templates, a briefing note does not necessarily need outlining. Nevertheless, it is still observing a proper and standard note format having three parts and they are:
- Purpose – the purpose stating the issue or the topic on what the briefing note is all about. The issue must be in a concise and brief statement and should come in one or two lines. Sets out a form of questions on what the note is all about. A background is also needed in this section for the reader to understand what follows and that the history is properly absorbed.
- Summary – the summary contains the synthesis of facts headings that are used in determining a briefing note’s purpose. Key considerations must be included in the summary because these are the important facts, developments, and other relevant information. Options and other means of remedies for some issues should be clearly described in the summary too.
- Conclusion – this section of the briefing note contains the findings, recommendation, and sometimes an advice regarding the issue. Recommendations and advice must substantial, clear, and direct.