The Pyramid Principle with an SCQA opening

The Pyramid Principle with an SCQA openingThe Pyramid Principle with an SCQA opening: situation, complication and question lead to the answer, which sits at the top of a pyramid of three key points, each supported by evidenceThe opening (SCQA)SituationWhat the readeracceptsComplicationWhat changedor brokeQuestionWhat the readernow asksAnswer: the governing thoughtOne sentence the decider can approveKey point 1Reason or optionKey point 2Same kindKey point 3Logical orderEvidence under each pointData, customer quotes, costs, risks, each with a sourceReaders stop at the depth that answers their question. Executives often stopat the key line.Each level must summarize the level below it.

The Pyramid Principle with an SCQA opening. The situation, complication and question earn the reader's attention; the answer goes at the top of the pyramid; three key points of the same kind support it; evidence sits beneath each point.