How can you structure a persuasive argument using the "pyramid principle"?

Here's how I interpret the pyramid principle: Top of Pyramid: What is the one thing you want your audience to think, say, feel, or do when you are done? Next, the three supporting pillars: 1. Why should the audience care? 2. What is your argument/perspective and how does it work? 3. So what's next?

The key idea behind the Pyramid Principle is to start with a single main point or recommendation (the "top of the pyramid") and then provide supporting details and arguments underneath it, creating a logical and hierarchical structure. Here's how to structure a persuasive argument using the Pyramid Principle: Start with a Clear Message (Top of the Pyramid): Begin by identifying your main message or recommendation. This should be a concise and clear statement of what you want your audience to understand or do. It should answer the "So what?" question and be the core of your argument.

As a leader of client app development at a Fortune 500, I've learned in practice that burying the lead in complex projects can doom them before they begin. "Pyramid principle" is the key to increased project buy-in. In my communications regarding solutions which span multiple teams and multiple organizations, i only initially share the slice which applies to the direct audience. From there we can go down the pyramid and reveal more detail only if there are questions. Often people are satisfied knowing what's applicable to their role without needing to see "the whole pyramid". When the "bottom of the pyramid" is necessary, visuals like system diagrams and sequence diagrams are key; again, for clarity versus overwhelming "text walls".

Rooted in the understanding that individuals can only process a limited amount of information at once and prefer receiving the most crucial details first, this principle advocates for a structured approach to messaging. The communication should commence with the primary point or the answer to the audience's question, serving as the pinnacle of the pyramid. Subsequently, supporting sub-points follow, elucidating the reasons and methods behind the main point. This hierarchical arrangement forms a pyramid-like structure, optimizing the audience's cognitive processing and ensuring that the most significant information takes precedence.

Answer for your audience "What's in it for me?" right up front. Hit them with your big idea, recommendation, or revelation at the top to reel them in. Then build your case for how you got there. It might seem counterintuitive, but in the inverse, slowly building to a flourish, leading them along with a trail of breadcrumbs risks losing them along the way while they wonder, "What's the point?"

The pyramid principle is like storytelling in reverse—it starts with the grand finale. My take? It's a smart way to grab attention and get your main idea across pronto. Take Apple's product launches, for instance. They kick off with the showstopper—the new gadget or feature stealing the spotlight. Then, they dive into the nitty-gritty details, forming a pyramid of information that keeps us hooked.

This is very applicable in many scenarios. When I was a journalist in the U.S. Army, we learned the inverted pyramid style of news writing. Though different from this article's use of the pyramid principle, I think there's something to appreciate about specific strategies that call for portraying information in a way that ensures our audience retain information.

En comunicación, el principio de pirámide implica comenzar indicando el mensaje o idea más importante de forma breve y concisa. Después, continuaremos con aquellos argumentos o factures que derivan en dicha idea. A continuación, incluiremos los detalles relativos a estos argumentos que nos han servido para apoyar nuestro mensaje o idea inicial.

Beyond the breakdown of steps, another way to think of the pyramid principle is building blocks. Start with the cornerstone – your main point, the answer to your defined question. Then, layer on clear, concise supporting arguments as building blocks, each connecting seamlessly to the one above. Each block adds weight and strengthens the central structure.

Usar el principio de pirámide en comunicación puede parecer simple, pero en general, solemos expresarnos utilizando el modelo de pirámide inversa (comenzamos con el contexto y los argumentos para terminar con la conclusión). Para utilizar el principio de pirámide efectivamente, únicamente tenemos que invertir dicho proceso: Comenzamos con la conclusión, continuamos con los argumentos para dicha conclusión, y terminamos con el contexto adicional.

Vivimos en un mundo con una sobresaturación de información. El sector de la comunicación no puede estar más congestionado. Los hábitos de consumo de información o entretenimiento, han derivado en que necesitemos captar la atención de la audiencia, para que accedan a nuestro contenido. Por lo tanto, debemos comenzar nuestra comunicación con una idea/mensaje sólido y breve (cortita y al pié), que capte la atención del sujeto, y este se decida a continuar digiriendo nuestro contenido.

To persuade your audience, consider including the potential biggest argument or barrier and addressing it straight away. This also lets your audience know you understand and respect their perspective.