Briefing Phase
The briefing phase prepares participants with context, instructions, and role assignments before the simulation begins.What is Briefing?
The briefing phase provides:- Scenario Context: Background on the crisis situation
- Learning Objectives: What participants will practice
- Role Assignments: Individual responsibilities
- Instructions: How the simulation works
- Ground Rules: Expectations and guidelines
Accessing the Briefing
For Participants
1
Receive Email Invitation
Contains link to simulation
2
Click 'Join Simulation'
Opens briefing page
3
Review Briefing Materials
Read context, objectives, and your role
4
Wait for Start
Simulation begins at scheduled time or when facilitator starts
For Facilitators
1
Open Simulation
Navigate to simulation from dashboard
2
Enter Briefing Room
See all participants as they join
3
Monitor Attendance
Check who’s present
4
Answer Questions
Respond to participant queries
5
Start When Ready
Click Start Simulation when appropriate
Briefing Components
Scenario Overview
Participants see:Crisis Type
Nature of the crisis (fire, cyber attack, etc.)
Background
Context and setup for the scenario
Current Situation
Initial state as simulation begins
Your Organization
Who you represent in the scenario
Learning Objectives
Clear statement of what participants will:- Practice: Skills being developed
- Learn: Knowledge to gain
- Demonstrate: Competencies to show
Role Information
If role-based scenario, each participant sees:- Role Name: Their position (e.g., “Crisis Manager”)
- Responsibilities: What they’re accountable for
- Permissions: What they can access/control
- Team Members: Others in the simulation and their roles
Simulation Mechanics
Explanation of:- Duration: How long it will run
- Phases: What to expect when
- Features: Chat, AI mentor, resources available
- Scoring: How performance is evaluated
- Timeline: When events will occur
Pre-Simulation Activities
Team Introduction
Facilitators may include: Ice Breaker: Quick introductions- Name
- Role in simulation
- Real-world role
- One expectation or concern
- Questions about roles
- Coordination points
- Communication protocols
Orientation
Walk through the interface:Facilitator Tools
Briefing Dashboard
Facilitators can see:- Attendance: Who’s joined, who’s missing
- Participant Status: Ready/Not Ready indicators
- Chat Monitor: Watch briefing chat
- Time Control: Start countdown or begin immediately
Pre-Simulation Checks
Attendance
Attendance
✓ All required participants present
✓ Roles filled
✓ Backups identified if absences
Technical
Technical
✓ All participants can see briefing
✓ Chat working
✓ No browser/connection issues
✓ Media loading correctly
Readiness
Readiness
✓ Participants understand roles
✓ Questions answered
✓ Expectations set
✓ Ready to begin
Readiness Check
Poll participants:- Click Readiness Check
- Participants click “Ready” when prepared
- See real-time status
- Begin when all (or majority) ready
Starting the Simulation
Auto-Start
If configured:- Countdown timer appears
- Simulation begins at scheduled time
- Automatic transition to execution phase
Manual Start
Facilitator control:1
Verify Readiness
All participants ready, technical check complete
2
Final Briefing
Last reminders or instructions
3
Click 'Start Simulation'
Button in facilitator controls
4
Confirm
Confirm you want to begin
5
Execution Begins
Timer starts, first events trigger
Best Practices
For Facilitators
Start Briefing Early
Start Briefing Early
Open briefing room 15 minutes before scheduled start. Allows time for stragglers and questions.
Set Expectations
Set Expectations
Clarify:
- Simulation is a learning environment
- Mistakes are okay
- Focus on teamwork
- Stay in character
Confirm Understanding
Confirm Understanding
Don’t assume everyone read briefing materials. Summarize key points verbally.
Test Tech
Test Tech
Ask participants to send a test message in chat to verify functionality.
Build Engagement
Build Engagement
Use the briefing to energize participants. Set a positive, professional tone.
For Participants
Arrive Early: Join 5-10 minutes before start time
Read Materials: Review briefing before joining
Ask Questions: Clarify unclear points
Test Features: Send test chat message, explore interface
Minimize Distractions: Close unnecessary apps, find quiet space
Common Questions
Can I change my role?
Can I change my role?
Contact the facilitator during briefing. They may reassign roles if necessary.
What if I join late?
What if I join late?
You can join during briefing. If you join after execution starts, you may enter in-progress.
Can I leave during the simulation?
Can I leave during the simulation?
Avoid leaving if possible, but if necessary, notify your team and facilitator.
Will I get a copy of briefing materials?
Will I get a copy of briefing materials?
Yes, briefing and resources typically remain accessible during execution.
How long does briefing last?
How long does briefing last?
Usually 10-15 minutes, but depends on scenario complexity and team familiarity.
Troubleshooting
Can't see briefing content
Can't see briefing content
- Refresh browser
- Check internet connection
- Verify you clicked correct link
- Clear cache and try again
Facilitator not present
Facilitator not present
- Wait a few minutes
- Check simulation start time
- Use chat to communicate with other participants
- Contact support if prolonged absence
Don't understand my role
Don't understand my role
- Ask in chat
- Request facilitator explain
- Review role description in briefing
- Coordinate with team members