The Pyramid Principle is a classic framework developed by Barbara Minto at McKinsey & Company for structuring communication in a clear, compelling way. It advocates starting with the main conclusion, followed by key supporting arguments, which are further supported by data and evidence. This top-down approach ensures clarity and maintains audience attention by presenting the most important information first.
15min
Structured Communication
Business PresentationsExecutive CommunicationsStrategic ReportsProblem-Solving Discussions
Framework Steps
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State the Key Conclusion
Begin with your main message or recommendation, clearly stating what you want your audience to understand or do.
Key Points
•Make it clear, specific, and action-oriented
•Ensure it answers the audience's main question
•Keep it concise and memorable
•Focus on one primary message
Key Sentence Structures
We should [action] because [reason].
The key solution is to [recommendation] which will [benefit].
Based on [analysis], I recommend [action].
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Present Key Supporting Arguments
Provide 2-5 main arguments that directly support your conclusion, ensuring they are mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive (MECE).
Key Points
•Use logical grouping of ideas
•Ensure arguments are distinct and non-overlapping
•Maintain parallel structure in presentation
Key Sentence Structures
There are three key reasons: First... Second... Third...
This solution addresses [aspect 1], [aspect 2], and [aspect 3].
The main drivers of this issue are...
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Support with Evidence
Provide specific data, examples, or evidence to support each key argument, arranged in a logical order.
Key Points
•Use relevant and credible evidence
•Present data in a clear, digestible format
•Link evidence directly to arguments
Key Sentence Structures
For example, our analysis shows...
This is demonstrated by [specific evidence]...
The data indicates that...
Practice Guide
1. Content Preparation
•Identify your audience's key question or concern
•Gather and analyze relevant data and evidence
•Draft your main conclusion before structuring supporting arguments
•Organize supporting evidence in a logical hierarchy
•Use clear transition phrases between levels of the pyramid
•Maintain consistent language and terminology throughout
•Use visual aids to reinforce the pyramid structure
•Keep sentences concise and focused
3. Practice Methods
1
Record your main conclusion and review its clarity
2
Practice presenting supporting arguments in a logical sequence
3
Review transitions between pyramid levels
4
Time your presentation and adjust content accordingly
Key Inspection Points
Message clarity
Logical flow
Evidence relevance
Time management
Example Analysis
Business Strategy Presentation
Basic Case
Key Conclusion
We should expand our e-commerce platform immediately to capture 30% market share within 12 months.
Supporting Arguments
1. Market analysis shows rapid digital adoption
2. Our current infrastructure can scale efficiently
3. Competition in this space is still limited
Evidence
- Digital adoption: 45% YoY growth in online shopping
- Infrastructure: Current platform handling 2x load with 99.9% uptime
- Competition: Only 2 major players with combined 40% market share