Bullet and Awards Writing

1. Bullet and Awards Writing Adapted from AFOATS Guide For Detachment 470

2. OVERVIEW • Importance of Effective Bullets • What is a Bullet Statement? • Writing Effective Bullets • Examples

3. Importance of Effective Bullets • Impact on Careers • Primary Use

4. Impact on Careers Monthly/Semester Awards Performance Reports Final Feedbacks Promotions Meaningful Decorations

5. Primary Use • You…during training • You…for feedbacks • You…as a supervisor

6. What is a Bullet Statement? • Definition: “bullet” • Elements of an A-I Bullet • Example

7. Definition: “Bullet” • Brief “bottom line” of an idea • Talking papers • Accomplishment (action) + impact • Feedbacks • Award packages (Form 1206) Note: Bullet statements are usually descriptive phrases

8. Elements of an A-I Bullet • Accomplishment: (1st element) • What did the person do? (performance, leadership, & mgmt) • How well did the person do it? • What was the result? (resources, effectiveness, efficiency) Ex: - Developed cadet tracker

9. 2 Elements of an A-I Bullet • Impact: (2nd element) • What level was impacted? (unit, wing, base, AF) • Why was accomplishment important? Ex: Developed tracking method for potential cadets

10. Ex: Complete A-I Bullet Ex: Takes 1 line on a feedback form; minimal white space. - Top performer; spearheaded creation of perspective cadet tracker; developed pool of potential cadets • What did the person do? • How well did the person do it? • What was the result? • What level was impacted? • Why was accomplishment important? So What? Each bullet must answer these questions!

11. Writing Effective Bullets • Format • Writing Tips • Special Bullets

12. Format Size/Length of Bullets • 1 line • Minimize “white space”(but don’t fill with fluff!) - XXX XXX XXXXX XXX XXXX

13. Format • Bullets don’t have periods “.” • Use “!” sparingly • Avoid: articles--a, an, the conjunctions--and, but, or pronouns--he, she, him, her • Avoid: negative words--isn’t, can’t • To indicate a pause, use: semicolon (;)

14. Writing Tips • Start with a strong, fact-filled statement • Use “hard-hitting” facts, actions, & phrases • Be enthusiastic; make your writing come alive! • Look at previous GMC/POC feedback for ideas

15. Writing Tips • Use common terms • Avoid job-specific jargon

16. Use verbs, adverbs & adjectives with... Writing Tips Punch

17. Writing Tips Verbs with Punch Revamped, rescued Pioneered, initiated Created, built, conceived Spearheaded, piloted Recaptured, recouped Captured, garnered Briefed, presented, delivered (a speech) Instead of ...Say ... Improved…………. Started…………… Made……………… Led……………….. Saved ($)………… Received (award).. Spoke ……………..

18. Verbs with Writing Tips Punch Useactivevoice -- not passive “smooth transition was achieved” • “achieved smooth transition” • “patient’s life was saved” • “saved patient’s life” • “10 students were taught” • “educated 10 students”

19. Adverbs with Writing Tips Punch - explain how a task was accomplished - use only if it truly adds value to the verb enthusiastically proactively expertly shrewdly independently single-handedly strategically flawlessly meticulously selflessly

20. Writing Tips Adjectives with Punch - use only if they add value - use to describe the worker dynamic talented visionary decisive motivated inspirational versatile proactive dynamic high-output expedient expert inexhaustible

21. Lead-ins with Writing Tips Punch - Use sparingly; takes up space - Followed with a fact or accomplishment Hard charger “Go to” person Leader of the pack Pacesetter Point-person Shining star Quality champion Community advocate Visionary Trailblazer

22. 4a. Example - Piloted annual Drill Meet Competition contacted 100% of potential teams in 5 days; reached 75% of goal for team attendance • Good • What did the person do? • How well did the person do it? • What was the result? • What level was impacted? • Why was accomplishment important? So What?

23. 4b. Example - Created a cadet reference library provided a ready source of information for all element members Good and Poor What did the person do? Good How well did the person do it? So-so What was the result? So-so What level was impacted? Yes, not impressive Why was accomplishment important? So What?

24. 4c. Example - Requires constant supervision; sets low personal standards and consistently fails to achieve them Poor

25. Nomination for Award • Award • POC/GMC of the Month/Semester • Category • Not Applicable • Award Period • Entire month/semester • Rank/Name • Ex. C/1st Lt Jonathan Doe

26. Nomination For Award (cont.) • SSN MAJCOM • not applicable • DAFSC/Duty Title • Nominee’s Phone Number • Unit/Office Symbol • AFROTC Detachment 470/CW/IG • Rank/Name of Unit Commander • Ex. C/Col Kaitlin B. Johnson

27. Nomination For Award (cont.) • Maximum of 5 - 1 line bullets • Submit electronically thru Chain of Command

28. Top portion is correct format and should be followed exactly Find errors in the bullets or possible improvements

29. SUMMARY • Importance of Effective Bullets • What is a Bullet Statement? • Writing Effective Bullets • Exercises

30. Questions ?