The pyramid principle
logic in writing and thinking
by Barbara Minto · first published 1978
72% recommend28% neutral
Why HN recommends it
Framework for structuring business writing and thinking: state the conclusion first, then support it with grouped points. Suits engineers, consultants, and anyone writing for busy, non-technical executives.
Summarised by Claude from recommending comments
The Minto Pyramid Principle: Logic in Writing, Thinking and Problem Solving explains a technique for working out your thinking on any subject, so that you can present it clearly to someone else. It explains: Why organizing your ideas into a pyramid structure will make them easy for someone else to grasp How to use the pyramid rules to help you discover and develop your thinking How to focus the thinking to be compelling to your audience.
Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Mentions per year
What Hacker News says
Related books
2013–2025On competition
Michael E. Porter
Recommended by 2 · mentioned by 22 recommend · 2 mention2 recommend · 22 recommend
2007–2026On Writing Well
William Zinsser
Recommended by 137 · mentioned by 170137 recommend · 170 mention137 recommend · 170137 recommend
2022–2026The fine art of small talk
Debra Fine
Recommended by 3 · mentioned by 43 recommend · 4 mention3 recommend · 43 recommend
2012–2022Culture of honor
Richard E. Nisbett
Recommended by 2 · mentioned by 22 recommend · 2 mention2 recommend · 22 recommend
2010–2024Writing with style
John R. Trimble
Recommended by 6 · mentioned by 66 recommend · 6 mention6 recommend · 66 recommend
2013–2024The art of thinking clearly
Rolf Dobelli
Recommended by 15 · mentioned by 2715 recommend · 27 mention15 recommend · 2715 recommend
2014–2026The Sense of Style
Steven Pinker, José C. Vales
Recommended by 45 · mentioned by 5645 recommend · 56 mention45 recommend · 5645 recommend
In a senior role, effective communication becomes more important. One of the best books I've read about how to communicate effectively is http://www.amazon.com/The-Pyramid-Principle-Writing-Thinking... It introduces a specific method to write concise, effective business documents. Then it shows how you can use the method to critique your own thinking.
on “Ask HN: Dev promoted to more strategic role in startup. What literature?” ↗…other, shines a spotlight on places where your thinking is weak or there are unfounded conclusions. Here's the good news: there's one book that will teach you this thoroughly: Barbara Minto's - "The Pyramid Principle: Logic in Writing and Thinking". Bad news: the book is out of print, since the author wants people to either buy her courses or her updated textbook which she charges $150 for (not a typo): http://www.barbaraminto.com/textbook.html…
on “Ask HN: What are some available force multipliers that most people don't know?” ↗…King's book On Writing[1]. Specifically, one bit of advice from that book (loosely paraphrased) "the best way to learn to write well is to read a lot and write a lot". The other book I'd recommend is The Pyramid Principle[2] by Barbara Minto. [1]: https://www.amazon.com/Writing-10th-Anniversary-Memoir-Craft... [2]: https://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-Principle-Logic-Writing-Think...
on “Ask HN: How to learn writing blog posts?” ↗I highly recommend “The Pyramid Principle: Logic in Writing and Thinking” by Barbara Minto. It will change the way you think about communication, especially in a business context.
on “Ask HN: Exercises to think, then speak, more clearly?” ↗A good book related to the topic of clear writing is "The Pyramid Principle". http://www.amazon.com/The-Pyramid-Principle-Writing-Thinking... This book was recommended by a fellow HN'er a few years back in a different thread. I bought a copy and read it and was suitably impressed.…
on “Paul Tudor Jones to Staff: Learn to Write or I'll Rip Up Your Memo” ↗I had the same problem at work. My former manager recommended me to read about storytelling and especially “the pyramid principle” [1] by barbara minto. It helped me a lot in how to frame a message and make the message logically easiest to absorb. [1] Barbara Minto - The Pyramid Principle
on “Ask HN: I'm poor at explaining things, how can I fix that?” ↗…looking at the heading, the reader should not only know what type of content is coming, but also largely what the conclusion of it will be. A really good book on this topic is http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pyramid-Principle-Logic-Writing-Thin... 2. Summarise the key points at the end. A lot of people scroll through, glance at the headings, then look at the conclusion, before they decide whether to read the article. Summarising…
on “Everything about Early Adopters” ↗…March. How to Shoot Video That Doesn't Suck by Steve Stockman - I wanted to improve my video production for my programming course for kids. I am still learning but this book has been a huge help. The Pyramid Principle: Logic in Writing and Thinking by Barbara Minto - huge help with improving my written communication at my job. The Coaching Habit by Michael Stanier - short book but huge help when your transitioning…
on “Ask HN: Best books you read in the past decade?” ↗…Abstraction Ladder with an example is a useful approach here. I'm curious if the same takeaways could be achieved in fewer words (it looks like the article is currently ~3,000 words). I've personally found the Pyramid Principle [1] to be a helpful starting point for determining which points I'd like to make within a piece of writing and then structuring the content around those, which may be applicable here, too. [0] https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=22318512…
on “Why we need a book about naming” ↗This is the first book I recommend to anyone who wants to improve their writing. With Minto's Pyramid Principle as a follow-on. My top 3: 1/ Edit ruthlessly. Every single word is reduced to its simplest form and pulls its weight--it has a damn good reason for being there. 2/ Aspire to write at a third-grade reading…
on “Ask HN: Concepts that clicked only years after you first encountered them?” ↗https://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-Principle-Logic-Writing-Think...
on “Ask HN: Good resources on effective writing?” ↗On a slightly more elaborate and potent level, try "The Pyramid Princple" by Barbara Minto: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pyramid-Principle-Logic-Writing-Thin...
on “Best Writing Advice for Engineers I've Ever Seen.” ↗re: " how people get to express their ideas in such a clear and persuasive way" http://www.amazon.com/Pyramid-Principle-Logic-Writing-Thinki... Recommended reading, especially for anyone whom consults or writes proposals.
on “How do you get to write so well in HN?” ↗…become a better writer? Become a more clear thinker. That reminds me of another book that I see recommended here on HN quite often, and which I myself bought on such a recommendation. It's called The Pyramid Principle. http://www.amazon.com/The-Pyramid-Principle-Writing-Thinking... I'm only part way through it, but I think it's quite worthwhile. The basic premise is about logic and clarity and organization in thinking…
on “Ask HN: How to become a better at writing?” ↗Take a look at the Pyramid Principle [pdf] http://www.consultingmethodology.com/wp-content/uploads/2014..., developed by Barbara Minto from Mckinsey Consulting. It provides a framework for structuring your thoughts and helping you identify…
on “Ask HN: Can you give me some advice on writing essays?” ↗