# What is the pyramid principle? Definition and spoken example

The pyramid principle is a way of structuring communication answer-first: you state your main point, then group the supporting reasons beneath it, then give the details under each reason. Barbara Minto developed it as a method for business writing, and it works just as well for spoken updates and answers.

By the Speaking Coach team at Sodhera Intelligence. Updated 2026-10-22. Source: https://www.orecci.com/speaking-coach/glossary/pyramid-principle/

## The shape

Picture a pyramid with your answer at the top:

- **Top:** the one main point or recommendation
- **Middle:** two to four reasons that support it, grouped so they don't overlap
- **Bottom:** the facts, numbers and examples under each reason

You say it top-down. The listener gets the answer in the first sentence and can stop you at any level. Minto's method also uses a Situation, Complication, Question opening to work out what question your listener actually has before you answer it.

## Example spoken update

Example: a manager asks, "Should we open on Sundays?" Made-up details.

> **Answer:** "Yes, I recommend we open on Sundays from 10 to 4, starting next month."

> **Reason 1:** "Demand is there. Our online orders on Sundays are the highest of the week, and customers ask for in-store pickup."

> **Reason 2:** "It pays for itself. Two staff for six hours costs less than the pickup sales we'd expect from current orders."

> **Reason 3:** "Staff are willing. Four people have already asked for Sunday shifts."

> **Close:** "If you agree, I'll draft the rota this week."

## Bottom-up vs top-down

| | Bottom-up (story order) | Top-down (pyramid) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Starts with | Background and data | The answer |
| Listener's experience | "Where is this going?" | "Got it, now why?" |
| If you're cut off | They never hear the point | They already have it |

The pyramid principle and [BLUF](/speaking-coach/glossary/bluf/) share the same first move. The pyramid adds the grouping of reasons below. It suits [executive and board presentations](/speaking-coach/presentations/board-presentation/), where time is short and questions come early.

## Questions people ask

### Who created the pyramid principle?

Barbara Minto, who wrote *The Pyramid Principle* and teaches it as a method for business writing and presentations.

### Is it only for consultants?

No. Anyone who gives updates, recommendations or answers to busy people can use it.

### How many reasons should I give?

Usually two to four. More than that is hard to follow out loud.

### Is it the same as BLUF?

Close. Both put the answer first. The pyramid principle also tells you how to group and order what follows.

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