How to write a GOOD intelligence report

Writing a good intelligence report is all about CLARITY.

No fancy words, no complicated structure.

If you are a decision maker, and receive a long report, full of fancy words, so you know, you've been played.

A good report is about clarity, relevance, and actionable insights.

If you want to produce intelligence reports that leaders actually read - and rely upon - here's a straightforward guide.

1. Know your audience

Before you type a single word, ask:

→ Who is this report for?
→ What decisions do they need to make?
→ What is the PIR = Priority intelligence requirement?
→ How much detail do they require?

Different audiences have different needs:

• A CEO wants strategic implications.
• Security managers need operational details.
• Analysts require methodological rigor.

Tailor your language, depth, and focus accordingly.

2. Structure clearly

Your intelligence report should be organized to guide the reader:

Executive Summary:

• Provide your main findings upfront.
• Use bullet points for clarity.

Introduction:

• Clearly state the objective.
• Highlight the key question or issue.

Methodology:

• Briefly explain how the information was gathered and analyzed (OSINT, HUMINT, SIGINT, etc.).
• This adds credibility and context to your findings.

Findings (detailed analysis):

• Provide context: Who, What, When, Where, Why, How.
• Break down your analysis into digestible sections.
• Use headings, subheadings, bullet points, and visual aids like charts, graphs, and maps for readability.

The client will read this part ONLY if they need more details.

Conclusions and recommendations:

• Summarize your findings succinctly.
• Offer actionable recommendations, clearly linked to your analysis.
• Ensure recommendations are practical and feasible.

3. Precision and relevance

A great intelligence report never wastes words. Every sentence must earn its place:

• Eliminate jargon and vague language.
• Be specific. Instead of "significant risk," state precisely what the risk is.
• Always question: "Why is this relevant to the reader’s decision-making?"

4. Use evidence effectively

Good intelligence is evidence-based:

• Clearly distinguish between fact, analysis, and speculation.
• Cite your sources explicitly to enhance credibility.
• Use visuals (charts, maps, tables) to clarify complex data quickly.

5. Provide actionable insights

Intelligence reports should lead to clear action:

• Don’t just describe the situation, explain its implications.
• Provide recommendations that are realistic and actionable.
• Always anticipate follow-up questions and address them proactively.

6. Quality over quantity

Leaders don't like long reports. They don't have time for that.

Brevity is your ally, and being deep yet synthetic is an art:

• Keep sentences short and impactful.
• Ensure paragraphs have a single, clear message.
• The best intelligence communicates complex ideas simply.

7. Review, validate, and test

Before you hit send:

• Double-check your facts (potentially your own biases!)
• Seek peer review: fresh eyes spot errors or ambiguities.
• Test your report by asking, "does this help the decision-maker?"

Stay sharp, remain concise, and write with intent.

Your report could shape crucial decisions, so treat every sentence accordingly.

Oriane