The Pyramid Approach to Professional Writing
The Pyramid Approach to Professional Writing is a unique technique developed by RGI International in 1972 and used by the company in its teaching and publications ever since. It provides a logical way to structure one’s writing, so that readers can quickly and easily identify the most important information. Writers find that, when they use the Pyramid Approach, their letters, reports, proposals and other documents are shorter, more concise, and focused directly to the identified audience.
The Pyramid Approach encourages writers to visualize their information as a pyramid, with the most important information presented at the top and supporting details—which amplify the opening statement—as the base or foundation. This technique aids the writer to “get to the point” and immediately address a reader’s concerns.
The pyramid is then broken into smaller compartments with each compartment reserved for specific information.
Using the Pyramid Approach helps writers structure their ideas into a logical, coherent document —whether it is a short email or a long formal evaluation report—so the intended audience can understand the situation and respond accordingly. The Approach is equally applicable to oral reporting.
The Pyramid Approach to Professional Writing is the key concept presented in both our onsite courses and our online courses . It also appears throughout our textbooks and videotapes .
