11. How important is the role of language in the preparation of the written brief of the Presenting Officer?
11. How important is the role of language in the preparation of the written
brief of the Presenting Officer?
The basic purpose of preparing the written brief is presenting the details and
convincing the Inquiring Authority about the reasons for concluding that the charges
are proved. The facts to be presented in the brief may be many. The analysis and
presentation of these facts call for communication skill of a fairly high order. The brief
is required to be read and understood by the Inquiring Authority without any
clarification from the Presenting Officer. (Obviously, the Inquiring Authority will be
reading the brief at his convenience and the Presenting Officer is not expected to be
present for offering any explanation).
Besides, verbal presentation has certain advantages such as body language, voice
modulation, volume, pitch, etc. If the case is verbally argued, the Presenting Officer
may be able to emphasize his points by raising his voice or slowing the pace of
delivery. On the other hand, the Presenting Officer is arguing his case through the
written brief and hence his brief must be able to speak loud and clear. Therefore,
special efforts must be made by the Presenting Officer to prepare his written brief in
a lucid style, endowed with a logical sequence. The Presenting Officer should
therefore adopt an effective style of writing. It is desirable to type the vital points in
bold letters or otherwise highlight the same.