Pyramid Principle

Developed by Barbara Minto (The Pyramid Principle, 1978 edition).

Structures a memo, deck, or recommendation with the conclusion first, then grouped supporting points, each group summarizing the ideas beneath it in logical order.

When to reach for it

When a busy reader needs the answer in the first line and the reasoning only on request.

How it runs

1. Write the single conclusion the reader must take away.
2. Group the two to five reasons that support it.
3. Check that each group summarizes everything beneath it.
4. Check that each group holds one kind of idea, in logical order.
5. Break each reason into evidence as needed, then write top-down.

Where it sits in SOLVE eX

• 6.3 Implementing the Action Plan

Go to the source

• The Pyramid Principle: Logic in Writing and Thinking, Minto International, revised second edition; the first edition is undated in library catalogs, 1978