Lead With Your Main Point
Twenty-eight ways to lead with your main point, so listeners know straight away why you are speaking.
Start with the answer. Then explain how you got there.
40 tips that really help
These ideas come from The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking (Dale Carnegie), Talk Like TED (Carmine Gallo), Made to Stick (Chip and Dan Heath), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Start with the answer
People listen best when they know where you are going. Leading with your main point, rather than building up to it, helps listeners follow and remember.
Write your main point in one sentence before you write anything else.
Bottom line up front
Military and business writers use “BLUF”, bottom line up front: put the conclusion first and the details after. It saves time and prevents confusion.
Open your next email with the conclusion.
The pyramid principle
Barbara Minto’s pyramid principle teaches that good communication starts with the answer, then gives supporting reasons, then details. It is widely used in consulting.
Sketch your talk as a pyramid with the answer at the top.
Inverted pyramid
News stories put the most important facts first and details later, so readers who stop early still get the point. Speak like a news story.
Order your points from most to least important.
State the topic
“I want to talk about three things: cost, timing and risk” gives a map. Listeners relax when they know the route.
Start with a one-line map.
State the ask
If you need a decision, say so first: “I need your approval on the budget.” Then explain. People then know why they are listening.
Start requests with the request.
Answer the question first
When asked a question, give the answer in the first sentence, then explain. “Yes, we can finish by Friday, because…” is clear.
Answer the next question in one sentence before explaining.
Avoid warming up
Long preambles such as “Well, as you know, there are many factors” delay your point. Cut to the heart.
Delete your first two sentences and see if your talk still works.
Avoid burying the lede
If your big news is in the middle, many listeners will miss it. Put it first.
Move your key sentence to the front.
Use a headline
Imagine a headline for your message: “Sales rose twenty percent in March”. Say the headline first.
Write a headline for your next update.
Use the one-sentence summary
If you had only one sentence, what would it be? Say that first. It forces clarity.
Write a one-sentence summary.
Use the elevator pitch
Prepare a thirty-second version of your message. Starting with it makes everything easier.
Draft a thirty-second summary.
Give a reason
After your point, give the reason: “because”. A claim with a reason sounds credible.
Add “because” to your main point.
Give three supports
Support your point with up to three reasons or examples. Three is memorable and persuasive.
List three supports.
Order supports by strength
Start or end with your strongest reason. Put weaker ones in the middle.
Rank your supports.
Signpost
Use phrases like “First”, “Second”, “Finally”. Signposts help listeners keep track.
Add signposts to your script.
Repeat the point at the end
After supports, return to your main point. Repetition aids memory.
End with your first sentence in new words.
Keep detail for questions
Do not load the main message with detail. Hold extra data for when people ask.
Put detail in an appendix or backup slides.
Think about your listener
What does your listener need first? Start there, not with your history.
Write what your listener cares about.
Use the "so what" test
After each point, ask “so what?” and say the answer. It leads to the real point.
Add “which means…” to each point.
Lead in meetings
In meetings, start with your recommendation, then reasons. Busy people appreciate it.
Practise a recommendation-first update.
Lead in emails
Put your request or decision in the first line. Many readers only read the top.
Rewrite an email with the ask first.
Lead in interviews
Answer with the point first, then a story. Interviewers want clarity.
Start answers with “The short answer is…”.
Lead on calls
Open calls with purpose: “I am calling to confirm Friday’s time.” Then discuss.
Write your call opener.
Lead in feedback
“I want to share one thing that went well and one to improve.” A clear start sets the tone.
Open feedback with the plan.
Lead with a story if it carries the point
A story can be your main point if it is short and clear. Tell the lesson first, then the story.
Say the moral, then the story.
Lead with a question
A good question can be a strong start if it points to your answer. “What would you do with an extra hour a day?”
Open with a question that leads to your point.
Lead with a number
A striking number can draw attention. “Eighty percent of customers said the same thing.”
Find one number that frames your talk.
Do not lead with an apology
Apologies weaken openings. Start strong.
Remove “sorry” from your first sentence.
Do not lead with a disclaimer
“I am not an expert but” undermines you. Say your point and be honest later if needed.
Delete “I am not an expert, but”.
Do not lead with a joke you cannot land
A joke can help, but only if it fits. If unsure, start with a point.
Test your joke on a friend.
Think of your listener's time
Respect time by being direct. Directness is a courtesy.
Cut thirty seconds from your opening.
Practise the first thirty seconds
Make your opening sharp. Rehearse it until it is smooth.
Say your first thirty seconds five times.
Check with a friend
Ask a friend what they think your main point was. If they are wrong, your lead is not clear.
Ask for their one-sentence summary.
Edit your notes
Underline the main point and move it to the top. Your notes should show the structure.
Rearrange notes for point first.
Keep the habit
Point-first speaking becomes natural with practice.
Use it in every update this week.
Celebrate clarity
When people say, “I knew exactly what you wanted”, you have succeeded.
Note a time your point landed first time.
Use the "because" bridge
After your point, say “because” and give one reason, and then stop. Robert Cialdini describes research in which giving any reason made people more willing to agree to a small request. A reason makes your lead feel fair.
Add “because” and a reason to your next request.
Say the ending first
Stories and long explanations often hide the conclusion until the end. Tell people where you are heading in your first sentence, and they will follow the detail far more easily.
Open your next explanation with the final sentence.
Know your one thing
If listeners could remember only one thing, what would it be? Write it down and make everything else support it. A clear lead needs a clear single point.
Write your one thing on a sticky note and keep it in view.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday situations.
“The short answer is yes.â€
“My main point is this.â€
“Here is why.â€
“Is that clear so far?â€
“I am practising leading with the point.â€
“So, to repeat, yes.â€
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Write your main point in one sentence
Say it first
Add one reason
Add one example
Repeat it at the end
Practise on a call
Ask for feedback
Further reading
- The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking (Dale Carnegie)
- Talk Like TED (Carmine Gallo)
- Made to Stick (Chip and Dan Heath)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
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Start freeThese lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.
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Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Cut Jargon and Filler WordsNext: Say One Idea at a Time →
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- Speak From Your Belly, Not Your Throat
- The Magic of the Pause
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- Vary Your Tone to Keep Attention
- Use Words a Ten-Year-Old Would Understand
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- Cut Jargon and Filler Words
- Lead With Your Main Point
- Say One Idea at a Time
- Replace Vague Words With Exact Ones
- Read Your Words Out Loud First
- Open Your Mouth and Speak Clearly
- Stop Mumbling in Three Steps
- Pronounce Hard Words With Confidence
- Breathe at the Right Moments
- Speak Clearly on the Phone
- Speak Clearly on Video Calls
- Handle an Accent With Pride
- The Point, Reason, Example Formula
- The Rule of Three
- Start With Why It Matters
- Tell a Short Story Instead
- Use Numbers and Pictures Wisely
- Finish With One Clear Takeaway
- Answer a Question in Thirty Seconds
- Replace Um With a Silent Pause
- What to Do When You Lose Your Thought
- Recover From a Mistake Smoothly
- Stop Over-Explaining
- Stop Apologising Before You Speak
- Practise With a Voice Recorder
- Stay Clear When You Are Nervous
- Speak Clearly When Put on the Spot
- Explain Something Complicated Simply
- Speak Clearly in an Argument
- Speak Clearly to Someone Senior
- Your Daily Clarity Habit
