The Pyramid principle Logic in writing and thinking with a dash of etiquette

Agenda

What it takes to communicate on behalf of a companyThe Pyramid PrincipleExamplesWhat else More Examples

Are you prepared to be the spokesperson for a business?As a communicator for a company, you are responsible for the brandYou are responsible for peoples reaction to the brandIt is vital that you fully understand the business before you begin. Follow the company strategy 100%Communicate with authority, not arroganceCommunicate value & be authenticEngage and be available for commentWrite English not TEXT language Limit your use of exclamations and capital lettersThink about what your audience wants to hear before you start writing.

The Pyramid PrincipleThe Minto Pyramid Principle says that your thinking will be easy for a reader to grasp if you present the ideas organised as a pyramid under a single point. But that point must be directed toward answering a question existing in your readers mind, and your ideas must in turn obey a limited number of logical rules. The trick is to make sure your thinking fits that form before you begin to write.

The Minto Pyramid Principle concentrates on the thinking process that should precede writing. It explains how to identify your readers question the purpose of the document and then how to work down the pyramid, The result is a clear, concise message grasped quickly by the reader, leading to action Fast-tracking ideas in this way tends to enhance both your work and your effectiveness in your organisation.

Barclays should launch its new card in China.Easy to ImplementAttractive MarketWill be ProfitablePro-bankclimateNo competitionCosts lowRevenue highStaff availablePlan developedWhy?Why?Why?Pyramid Example

Overall ArgumentSub-argument #3Sub-argument #1Sub-argument #2EvidenceEvidenceEvidenceEvidenceEvidenceEvidenceUsing the Pyramid Structure

Document StructureIntroductionSituationComplicationQuestion/Answer BodyNext StepsSomething the readers will not question if they buy your argument ConclusionSummary/Call to action/Emotion provocation

Creating an introduction Draw a box and write down a subject.2.Decide the question the reader wants answered.3.Write down the answer.4.Describe the situation without controversy.5.Develop the complication--Answer so what.6.Recheck the question and the answer.

So now we know howBut what do we say?Strategy, Strategy, StrategyWhat are the Businesss objectives?What is the businesss revenue modelHow can, what you are doing, add to this?How will you measure your impact on the company?

So lets play.Write down Subject: MEWhat is the single most important thing you would like me to know about you?Why do you think I need to know this?Is your message clear and concise?Is it relevant to this forum?What will this communication between us achieve?

Lets take another example.something more business relevantYou are asked to write a blog post on the Grow Academy website on the value of this bootcamp and why its relevant to your life.

What do you say?

Questions?

You are welcome to contact me on judith@duomarketing.co.za021 683 8223

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