How to structure an argument clearly and concisely.

1. The Pyramid Principle
Structure & logic in writing &
presenting

2. Letter from a friend…
Q) Why is this person writing to me??

3. How is this structure better…

4. What structure was used?

5. Situation and complication first
What is
wrong?
What is
causing it?
Here’s what
you should do
You must change
A1 B1 C1 A2 B2 C2 A3 B3 C3
Situation Complication Question Answer
Is change
needed?
Summary

6. For example an recommendation
S – WW is successful in cheap fashion
C – Megatrends suggest that cost of
resources may impact future profits
Q – How can WW be more resource
efficient
A – by considering circular economy
models of recycling old clothes

7. When structure breaks down
1) My friend said
that there was
smoke coming
from another
building
2) A constant
ringing is the
signal for the fire
alarm
3) The alarm bell
is ringing
4) Something is
wrong
5) Leave the
building quickly
without running
6) Meet at the
muster point
Here we can see a logical chain of deductive thought leading to a conclusion
1->2->3->4->5=>6

8. When structure breaks down
1) My friend said
that there was
smoke coming
from another
building
2) A constant
ringing is the
signal for the fire
alarm
3) The alarm bell
is ringing
4) Something is
wrong
5) Leave the
building quickly
without running
6) Meet at the
muster point
But what question is provoked if I start here?

9. When structure breaks down
1) My friend said
that there was
smoke coming
from another
building
2) A constant
ringing is the
signal for the fire
alarm
3) The alarm bell
is ringing
4) Something is
wrong
5) Leave the
building quickly
without running
6) Meet at the
muster point
But what question is provoked if I start here?

10. Structure of arguments
Idea or
question
Answer
conclusion
or action
Why? And..So what?

11. If you can’t find the “right” order,
then your thinking has a flaw
Perhaps your
• reasoning is incomplete
• order is wrong
• structure is inappropriate
• comparison or classification are mismatched

12. Ultimately, structure is important
but don’t let it strip your presentation
of all emotion…
… consider the difference between
these
http://intergon.freeyellow.com Phone: 0411 267 256 Borrowed from http://weatherhead.cwru.edu/degree/Pyramid/

13. Is racism inevitable?
• (S) The American constitution states that “Every man is
created equal”
• (C) There is segregation and racism which means that
black people are not treated as equals
• (Q) Is this living up to our potential vision for this country
• (A) No, but change is possible in next generation when:
– Sons of former slaves & slave owners sit together
– Judgments is made on character not skin color
– Freedom for all in New York, Mississippi, and other cities

14. I have a dream