POINT PAPER
The PAO or the senior journalist normally writes a
point paper. The actual style of your point papers may
A point paper (also called a talking or issue paper)
vary, depending on the preference of your boss. Some
is a concise document that provides capsulized
commands will have an instruction or notice on their
comments for use during a meeting or conference. It can
also serve as a memory tickler or a quick-reference
preparation.
outline for a superior (usually the CO), or as a suitable
There are two varieties of point papers. Figure 1-12
study guide for the CO to use in preparing for a press
is the informal point paper format, and figure 1-13 is the
conference.
formal point paper format.
POINT PAPER ON
PREPARATION OF INFORMAL POINT PAPERS
– A point paper is a concise document that provides succinct comments for use during a meeting
or conference.
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Usually prepared by an action officer or staff member for a superior.
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Serves as a memory tickler or quick reference outline.
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Point papers are good study guides for a commander to use in preparing for press conferences
where a number of areas may be discussed.
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Normally prepared in outline form and may use “telegraphic wording” rather than complete
sentences.
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Style depends on user’s knowledge of subject and desires.
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Formats vary, but this example illustrates one of the most popular.
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Uses dashes before major points; further indent subordinate points.
– Use the one-dash, two-dash, three-dash sequence.
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Double-spaced between points, and try to keep it to one page.
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Avoid chronologies and masses of statistics.
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You may write a background paper to accompany a point paper, if needed.
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Think of what the user will say; include the key facts.
Figure 1-12.-Informal point paper format.
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