Moreover, a direct communication method is more convincing than a conversation that beats about the bush.

This because they think in such a top-down way, focusing on the bigger picture. The reason to first make the recommendation and then offer the motivation is that the supervisors often already see the conclusion or recommendation coming when a flood of arguments and reasons is provided. In most conversations with a supervisor, for instance, recommendations are made. The first reason for this is to maximise and effectively use the limited time of the audience. Only then must the supporting reasons or motivations be given. With her McKinsey Pyramid Principle, Barbara Minto explains why the answer is first given in a clear and concrete form. Usually, the conclusion in a text or presentation is given after the facts have been presented, and all analyses and supporting ideas have been discussed. Minto Pyramid Principle inverts the traditional method that’s used to arrive at a conclusion. These could also be recommendations, the results from a study, thesis statement or other key points. Start with the answer, thesis or key pointĪpplying the top-down structure of a pyramid in communication methods means that a direct answer is given to the question that has been asked. Writing texts, giving presentations or making recommendations based on the Minto Pyramid Principle is done by applying the following three levels of the pyramid: 1. Barbara Minto was responsible for training new recruits into becoming expert consultants in the shortest possible time. ‘The Pyramid Principle’, a book written by Barbara Minto, was published in the 1970s by McKinsey & Company. Do you want unlimited and ad-free access? Find out more

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