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
- 1Answer Firststatement / text
- 2Key Argumentspillars / text
- 3Supporting Evidencechart / chart
OPF Config
narratives:pyramid-principle{
"$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"
}
}
}
}
}
}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
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
Answer First
Lead with your main point or recommendation. Don't make executives wait for it.
Instruction: Lead with the conclusion or recommendation.
Key Arguments
Provide 3-4 supporting reasons that logically support your answer.
Instruction: Group the main reasons supporting the answer.
Supporting Evidence
Back each argument with data, examples, or proof points.
Instruction: Back each argument with verifiable proof.