The message conveyed by the Pyramid Framework itself is easy to understand: present a core idea first, then add explanations. If the core is a question, you can follow it with an analysis from multiple angles or several sub-questions. If the core is a plan, you can add an explanation of how the plan will be carried out or milestones for each stage. If the core is a viewpoint, you can add supporting data and examples for the sub-points.
It advocates stating the conclusion first, working from the top down, grouping by category, and proceeding logically. In other words, a core conclusion at the upper level is supported by several groups of arguments at the level below, and each argument can itself serve as a sub-conclusion supported by arguments further below. Extending this structure in this way produces a pyramid shape, hence the name Pyramid Principle.
Let me share a three-character mnemonic with you: what to express—in one sentence; why—123.
“What to express” reminds you to ask yourself: What exactly do you want to communicate to the other person? Say it first. “In one sentence” forces you to explain it clearly in a single sentence, keeping the content concise and avoiding rambling. “Why?” tells you to provide some support and explanation for what you are expressing.
“123” forces you to present the supporting content in the order of first, second, and third. This way of speaking can sometimes push you to organize your thoughts and make what you say more logical. Whether you are organizing by time, space, structure, or type, or by perspective or degree of importance, when you say “first this,” “second that,” and “third something else,” you will naturally apply this formula to some extent. Although it is not rigorous, it is easier to understand and very easy to use. Moreover, rigor is not a prerequisite for absorbing knowledge; lowering the barrier to understanding is. Understanding it first and putting it into practice, then gradually enriching and refining it, is a more effective process for absorbing knowledge.