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Home Working in government Policy Oral Briefing Skills

Oral Briefing Skills

Identify the purpose, audience, and context of an oral briefing and adapt their approach accordingly
Structure a clear, outcome-focused briefing around essential “must-know” messages
Apply active listening to interpret a Senior Official’s or Minister’s priorities, tone, and underlying concerns
Respond effectively to questions and challenges while maintaining composure
Deliver a confident, well-paced briefing that helps Ministers and Senior Officials make informed decisions.

Overview

Off the shelf (OTS)

This one-day workshop is aimed at civil servants at HEO to G6 level who prepare or deliver oral briefings to Ministers or Senior Officials.
The workshop aims to refine participants’ skills in preparing and delivering effective oral briefings. It combines discussion of best practice with practical exercises and individual feedback.
The workshop will cover:
• The role and purpose of oral briefings within the policy making process
• Understanding what Ministers and Senior Officials need from oral briefings
• How to plan and structure key messages under time pressure
• The importance of audience, tone and context in communication
• Techniques for presenting complex or sensitive issues clearly
• Managing questions and difficult conversations with confidence
• Good practice in developing and using “lines to take”
The workshop includes an opportunity to brief a former Minister and an experienced former civil servant.