Barbara Minto built this at McKinsey and the firm still trains consultants on it: lead with the answer, then three reasons, then the evidence. Claude does not write this way by default, it buries the point. These 5 prompts force it. The Project setup and the reusable style file are in the guide.
1| The restructure
Rewrite this using the Minto Pyramid: open with my single main conclusion in one sentence, then exactly three supporting reasons, then the evidence under each. Cut anything that does not sit under one of the three.
2| The buried lede test
Read this draft and tell me the one conclusion it is actually building toward. If I only had one sentence to give my boss, what would it be? Then tell me where in the draft I hid it.
3| The three reason audit
Check my three reasons. Do they overlap, and together do they fully cover the case? Flag any that is a detail pretending to be a reason.
4| The so what pass
Go line by line and ask so what after each one. Delete every line that cannot answer it. Show me what survives.
5| The email version
Compress this into an email under 150 words in the same structure: answer, three reasons, evidence only where it earns its place. Keep my voice.
1| The restructure
Rewrite this using the Minto Pyramid: open with my single main conclusion in one sentence, then exactly three supporting reasons, then the evidence under each. Cut anything that does not sit under one of the three.
2| The buried lede test
Read this draft and tell me the one conclusion it is actually building toward. If I only had one sentence to give my boss, what would it be? Then tell me where in the draft I hid it.
3| The three reason audit
Check my three reasons. Do they overlap, and together do they fully cover the case? Flag any that is a detail pretending to be a reason.
4| The so what pass
Go line by line and ask so what after each one. Delete every line that cannot answer it. Show me what survives.
5| The email version
Compress this into an email under 150 words in the same structure: answer, three reasons, evidence only where it earns its place. Keep my voice.
credits
