Analytic Briefing Guide (2025)

Randolph H. Pherson, Walt Voskian, and Roy A. Sullivan, Jr. 

December 2025

Analysts and managers in the government, the private sector, and non-profits are shifting the way they communicate, moving from a reliance on written narrative to a preference for oral presentations and digital displays. Briefing and digital presentations are powerful and increasingly important tools for imparting analysis. At the same time, care must be taken to prevent the erosion of critical thinking skills and their role in crafting a successful briefing. Learn the Four Traits of a Successful Briefer, The Effective Briefer’s Checklist, and other useful techniques in this guide crafted by perspectives of longtime, expert practitioners.

Note on this Edition
This edition reflects the transition of Randolph H. and Katherine Hibbs Pherson’s intellectual property from Pherson Associates, LLC to Globalytica, LLC. This version also documents the passing of Randolph H. Pherson (1949–2024) and includes updates to citations and references to provide the most current sources available.