A lot of position papers are drafted in Brussels. Done well, they are one seful tool to make your case.
Too often they serve the purpose of getting internal buy-in, more an acclamation of faith, than any sincere attempt to persuade decision-makers to back your case.
If you want to draft persuasive position papers that persuade and don’t land up in the bin, here are some suggestions:
1. No more than two pages.
2. A clear and concise document, in plain English.
3. Font 12. They need to read it, not to squint at the paper.
4. Reader: Accessible to a non-expert.
5. Put forward real solutions.
6. Provide a brief summary of the key messages, research findings
7. Outline key (1-5) policy implications/recommendations. Table real solutions.
8. Links to further information: studies, websites.
9. Provide contact details for more information.
10. 1-2 side boxes with supporting material: graphs, compelling facts & figures, illustrative example, case study.
11. Infographic. An infographic can often tell your story effectively
12. Use headings. Don’t use bold or colour the text. A point worth being taken up won’t stand out because of it.
13. Use short paragraphs.
14. Be sober, objective and apolitical.
15. Realise that real people may read this in the press.
16. Put any added technical information in an Annex.
17. Be timely. You want it to persuade people to take a decision in your favour, not leave a historical record that you turned up late in the game.
18. Have as many, and as few, position papers to address the issues at hand.