GovTalk

GovTalk’s purpose is to provide information, incites, tools, tips and examples of how to use the primary communication tools of government to get results. It addresses the skills of formulating ideas and proposals, writing using frequently used government formats and presenting ideas and proposals.

Writing Briefing Notes

• 2.1Briefing Notes: Introduction - Structure of the Briefing Note Module of GovTalk [PDF 273 KB]
• 2.2Briefing Note to Obtain a Decision [PDF 292 KB]
• 2.3Briefing Note to Inform or Update on an Event [PDF 281 KB]
• 2.4A Briefing Note to Propose a Response [PDF 220]
• 2.5Briefing Note to Prepare for a Meeting [PDF 289 KB]
• 2.6Quick Reference: Briefing Note/Policy Brief Writing for Job Applications [PDF 359 KB]
• 2.7Practical Guide to Writing Briefing Notes In the Government of Canada [PDF 589 KB]

Policy Briefs

• 3.1Policy Briefs: Introduction and Guidelines - Structure of the Policy Brief Module of GovTalk [PDF 286 KB]
• 3.2How to Write a Policy Brief [PDF 588 KB]
• 3.3Perspective on Policy Briefs: The Good & The Bad [PDF 450 KB]

PowerPoint Presentations

• 4.1Presentation Tools: PowerPoint - Structure of the PowerPoint Module of GovTalk [PDF 297 KB]
• 4.2Building a Basic Deck [PDF 427]
• 4.3PowerPoint Do's and Don'ts [PDF1.5 MB]
• 4.4A PowerPoint to Brief [PDF 168 KB]
• 4.5PowerPoint for Public Presentations [PDF 195 KB]
• 4.6Sample Decision Decks: How to Improve [PDF 280 KB]

Tips for Making Presentations

• 5.1Tips for Making Presentations - Structure of the Presentations Module of GovTalk [PDF 209 KB]
• 5.2Tips for Making a Quick Oral Briefing [PDF 206 KB]
• 5.3SWAR - The Walk With Me Briefing [PDF 1.4 MB]
• 5.4Data Visualization Tools [PDF 531 KB]

This material was prepared by Andrew Graham, School of Policy Studies, Queen’s University

(updated Sept 2021)