The Minto Pyramid
This includes your SCQA and begins all forms of your communication.
What is the introduction
Editing to this concept is one way we ensure we only share the most important and compelling information.
What is editing to the 3 most important things?
This key numerical tenet of Minto based upon how people organize and categorize things in their brains.
What is the power of 3?
This part of your introduction must be indisputable to the audience.
What is the situation?
3 of these provide the support for your answer.
What is a supporting argument?
Barbara Minto created Minto for McKinsey consultants to ensure this type of presentation.
What is logical?
Rather than present our reasons and build to our recommendation, we start with this.
What is start with the answer?
This is the core purpose of your communication.
What is the answer?
This comes in the form of rationale, proof or steps.
What is evidence?
While Minto is helps to structure presentations as well as this.
What are all forms of communication - such as emails, reports, white papers and even verbal communication?
The pyramid is a series of these types of questions.
What are "Why?" and "How?" questions?
This states the issue or problem within the situation.
What is the complication?
This section includes things like your "ask".
What is the conclusion?
Minto encourages audience to focus on these.
What are key questions?
This Minto principle summarizes your presentation within the first two minutes.
What is the SCQA?
Having multiple of these in your SCQA leads to confusion and inadequate answers.
What are questions?