Let’s talk about briefing different audiences. When I was a counterterrorism analyst in the government, my portfolio covered ISIS and anti-government militia extremists. In the same week, I briefed two different audiences on each group. For the ISIS briefing, a few in the audience asked me why I only focused on “brown people” rather than “white extremists” posing a more direct domestic threat. During the militia briefing, I was asked why I was only focusing on “white extremists” over what some perceived as a more significant threat: ISIS. Ironically, neither audience knew the breadth of my portfolio or the reputation I had built as an analyst. They only knew what I was briefing them on at that moment, and rightfully so!
I was utterly unprepared for both situations and briefly froze in the moment. I wrongfully assumed folks knew I covered both portfolios, but how could they? This experience helped shape how I prepare for briefings ever since and my approach to training analysts.
? Here are a few takeaways and insights on navigating briefing different audiences, particularly in a sensitive field like counterterrorism:
1?? Understand Audience Background and Anticipating Biases: Each audience comes with its own background knowledge and set of expectations. My experience revealed biases in how different groups perceived threats. Anticipating these biases will allow you to tailor your presentation to address specific concerns or knowledge gaps effectively.
2?? Define Briefing Scope: It’s important to define the scope of the briefing at the outset. This helps manage expectations and addresses why certain topics are being discussed over others, which is particularly important for audiences that might have preconceived notions or sensitivities.
3?? Building Credibility: Briefings are not just about conveying information but also about establishing an analyst's credibility. Briefly introducing your portfolio and your analytical background at the start can help build trust and authority, showing that your analysis is comprehensive and objective.
4?? Prepare for Sensitive Questions: Anticipate and prepare well-thought-out responses to challenging or controversial questions. To this day, I am the first to admit that the Q&A portion of any briefing is the most anxiety-inducing. Regular exposure and consistent practice will improve your confidence and enhance your ability to answer those difficult questions.
If you're looking to improve your briefing techniques or sharpen your audience analysis skills, reach out and let’s chat. Consultations are always free! Even if you're not currently in the market for formal training, reach out. I’m interested in learning more about the challenges you face with briefing or public speaking and exploring ways to empower you and overcome these hurdles.
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