Communicating with Intelligence: Writing and Briefing for National Security

by James S. Major

Writing and briefing are fundamental to the intelligence profession. The ability to communicate clearly, concisely, and coherently is basic to all intelligence disciplines, even the most technical. Communicating with Intelligence, Third Edition is a handbook on writing and briefing intelligence based on the decades of practical experience of James S. Major. The book is designed primarily for faculty and students pursuing studies in intelligence, national security, and homeland security, who need to learn the art of preparing written products and intelligence briefings. But it also has considerable value for working professionals who simply wish to sharpen their communication skills. The third edition of Communicating with Intelligence provides the expediency, efficiency, and effectiveness instructors and members of the Intelligence Community require for a communication handbook.

Genres: Nonfiction

430 pages, Paperback

First published March 27, 2008

About the author

Mr. James S. Major, Director of the College Writing Center

Reviews

[Paola · Rating 3 out of 5]

Grad books are going in the goodreads 🫡

[Carla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the book to be a writing manual that can work well for anyone, with illustrations drawn from intelligence literature.

[Jim Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I received it my first year in college in 2011. I was in military intelligence at the time. From 2011 until I left in 2018 it was always in my office. Now it sits in my office at home and I often refer to it as a means to check myself when I am writing.

[Miami University Libraries]

Divided into two parts -- one each dedicated to writing and briefing for an audience in the intelligence community -- Major's book is filled with classroom and individual exercises to improve confidence in creating and presenting information briefings, as well as tips on effective reading, analysis, writing, and communications skills that will transfer to any number of different professions.

View it in the MUL Catalog.

[Carter F Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the simplicity and familiarity the author used to make the topic of intelligence reporting more understandable. I will be using it along with a related on methods to teach a grad level intel management course, but it would serve well in the libraries of rookie police and seasoned analyst alike.

[Jwduke · Rating 5 out of 5]

BLUF: Intelligence writing is a niche market. If you work in politics, DoD, or the greater IC, AND you will encounter intelligence or produce it, this is a wonderful reference with many basic lessons. I learned a thing or two from it.