What is the purpose of a talking paper?

• A. It outlines key points, facts, positions, and questions to use during oral presentations; also provides quick reference during meetings.
• B. It records budget allocations for the next fiscal year.
• C. It serves as a full-length legal brief.
• D. It acts as a daily log of tasks performed.

Answer: (A)

A talking paper is a concise briefing aid that organizes the essential points you plan to cover in an oral presentation. It lays out the key points, relevant facts, positions, and any questions that might come up, with quick references you can glance at during a meeting. This format keeps you focused, helps you present a clear argument or recommendation, and allows you to respond smoothly to questions without losing momentum. In practice, you’d include the main talking points, supporting data, and suggested responses so you can move through the briefing efficiently and confidently.

Budget allocations are documented separately as financial briefs, not as a quick-reference talking aid. A full-length legal brief serves a different purpose and is typically more detailed and oriented toward legal arguments. A daily task log records what was done each day, not the points you intend to cover in a briefing.