Writing Effectively at The World Health Organization

Readers of briefing notes

The key to a successful briefing note is empathy and anticipation. Imagine, in as much detail as possible, the situation where your reader will be using the brief and what they will be looking for. As one WHO writer described it: “What can the DG say about this that only the DG can say?” Writing a clear, concise briefing note is another way for you to participate in the global conversation about advancing public health.

Focus clearly on your reader, and what they need to know. Make sure you write for your reader, not about your reader. Here’s an example. Imagine you are writing a brief for me, and that I am the Regional Director. If I find a sentence that says, “The Regional Director attended the meeting in July,” I will instantly be aware that you are writing about me, but you are not writing for me. (Either that, or I will be confused and think you are talking about a different Regional Director!) I know I attended the meeting: Tell me what I need to do now to follow up.

You also need to think about why you have been asked to provide the brief. It is usually because of your expert knowledge of the issues and the outcomes that need to be achieved for WHO work to progress. Your role in providing a brief is twofold: supportive and advisory.

© WHO 2011