Communicating With Intelligence: Writing and Briefing in the Intelligence and National Security Communities

by James S. Major

Since September 11, 2001, colleges and universities nationwide have expanded their curricula to include intelligence and national security studies, many offering degrees in the subjects. Curiously, no book exists for classroom use in teaching the important skills needed by these professionals to ensure their products/papers/reports are properly written or briefed. Communicating with Intelligence fills that gap and is aimed primarily at faculty and students pursuing studies in intelligence, national security, homeland security, or homeland defense; but it also has considerable value for working intelligence professionals who simply wish to hone their "rusty" writing or briefing skills.

Designed to provide essential information regarding the preparation of written products or intelligence briefings, the book is divided into two parts. Part One, "Writing with Intelligence," contains material on reading intelligence publications and on the basics of writing in the intelligence profession. Part Two, "Briefing with Intelligence," deals with the fundamental principles of an intelligence briefing and includes information on gaining―or regaining―self-confidence behind the podium. Every chapter ends with exercises, many of which can be completed in the classroom to facilitate group activity or by an individual pursuing the study independently. Five appendixes provide additional information for quick reference and an annotated bibliography points toward further sources that can be used.

Genres: Nonfiction

444 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.