PPTX.gallery

Story Framework

Pyramid Principle

Lead with the conclusion, then provide the supporting logic. State the main recommendation up front, follow with three or four arguments that support it, then back each argument with data and examples. The tone is deductive: conclusion first, reasoning second, so the audience never waits for the point. Best for executive presentations, recommendations, and time-constrained settings; typical decks run 3-8 slides (consulting recommendation, investment thesis, strategic options analysis).

Beat Diagram

  1. 1Answer Firststatement / text
  2. 2Key Argumentspillars / text
  3. 3Supporting Evidencechart / chart

OPF Config

narratives:pyramid-principle
OPF JSON
{
  "$schema": "https://openpresentation.org/schema/opf/v1",
  "name": "PPTX.gallery — narratives/pyramid-principle",
  "narrative": "pyramid-principle",
  "tags": [
    "gallery:narratives/pyramid-principle"
  ],
  "slides": [
    {
      "id": "gallery-preview-1",
      "layout": "text",
      "title": "Narrative preview",
      "subtitle": "Storyline scaffolded by the \"pyramid-principle\" narrative."
    }
  ],
  "catalogs": {
    "default": {
      "source": "https://www.pptx.gallery",
      "narratives": {
        "pyramid-principle": {
          "name": "Pyramid Principle",
          "summary": "Lead with your conclusion, then provide supporting logic. Respects audience time and attention.",
          "description": "Lead with the conclusion, then provide the supporting logic. State the main recommendation up front, follow with three or four arguments that support it, then back each argument with data and examples. The tone is deductive: conclusion first, reasoning second, so the audience never waits for the point. Best for executive presentations, recommendations, and time-constrained settings; typical decks run 3-8 slides (consulting recommendation, investment thesis, strategic options analysis).",
          "audienceFit": [
            "executive",
            "board",
            "time-pressed-decision-makers"
          ],
          "duration": {
            "min": 5,
            "max": 20
          },
          "tags": [
            "executive",
            "strategy",
            "deductive",
            "recommendation"
          ],
          "beats": [
            {
              "id": "answer-first",
              "name": "Answer First",
              "description": "Lead with your main point or recommendation. Don't make executives wait for it.",
              "instructions": "Lead with the conclusion or recommendation.",
              "type": "text",
              "layout": "statement"
            },
            {
              "id": "key-arguments",
              "name": "Key Arguments",
              "description": "Provide 3-4 supporting reasons that logically support your answer.",
              "instructions": "Group the main reasons supporting the answer.",
              "type": "text",
              "layout": "pillars"
            },
            {
              "id": "supporting-evidence",
              "name": "Supporting Evidence",
              "description": "Back each argument with data, examples, or proof points.",
              "instructions": "Back each argument with verifiable proof.",
              "type": "chart",
              "layout": "chart"
            }
          ]
        }
      },
      "layouts": {
        "text": {
          "name": "Text",
          "summary": "Prose. Several blocks sit side by side when short and stack when long.",
          "tags": [
            "Text"
          ],
          "direction": "column",
          "regions": [
            {
              "name": "title"
            },
            {
              "name": "body",
              "accepts": [
                "text",
                "list",
                "quote",
                "code",
                "group"
              ],
              "role": "primary",
              "flow": "auto"
            }
          ],
          "description": "Explain one idea in continuous prose. Use paragraphs or flowing blocks for detail that needs to be read in sequence.",
          "preview": {
            "vectorSrc": "https://www.pptx.gallery/layout-previews/text.svg"
          }
        }
      }
    }
  }
}
Open in visual editorOpen in Inspector

Load this config in the gallery's visual editor, or in the Inspector at pptx.dev.

Pace

3-8 slides

5-20 minutes

3 beats, one slide each

Audience Fit

executiveboardtime-pressed-decision-makers

Tone

Deductive - conclusion first, then supporting logic.

Best For

Executive presentations, recommendations, time-constrained settings

Example Deck Types

McKinsey-style recommendation, Investment thesis, Strategic options analysis

Example

State your main recommendation upfront, follow with 3-4 supporting arguments, then provide data and examples for each.

Beat-by-Beat Guide

1

Answer First

Lead with your main point or recommendation. Don't make executives wait for it.

Instruction: Lead with the conclusion or recommendation.

2

Key Arguments

Provide 3-4 supporting reasons that logically support your answer.

Instruction: Group the main reasons supporting the answer.

3

Supporting Evidence

Back each argument with data, examples, or proof points.

Instruction: Back each argument with verifiable proof.

Recommended Pairings