The Point, Reason, Example Formula
Thirty-two easy ways to use the point, reason, example formula, a simple structure that makes any answer clear.
Point, reason, example. Three steps to clarity.
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.
A simple shape for any answer
Point, reason, example, often shortened to PRE or PREP, is a three-part pattern that fits almost any answer: say your point, say why, then give one example. It keeps you short and clear.
Practise it on a simple question such as “What is your favourite season?”
Point first
State your point in one clear sentence: “I think we should start on Monday.” Opening with the point tells listeners where you are going and calms you because you know your destination.
Write one-sentence points for three common questions.
Reason second
Add “because” and one reason: “because the team will be back from holiday.” A reason makes a claim feel fair and thoughtful. Even a simple reason helps.
Add “because” to your next opinion.
Example third
Give one short example: “Last time we started on a Friday, and half the team was missing.” An example makes the reason real and memorable.
Add one real example to your next point.
End with the point again
Close by repeating the point in a new way: “So Monday is my suggestion.” Repetition helps memory and gives a clean finish. This is the second P in PREP.
End with your point restated.
Keep each part short
Aim for one sentence for the point, one for the reason and two for the example. The whole answer fits in thirty seconds.
Time your next answer.
Use it in meetings
When asked for your view, use the formula. It makes you sound organised and brief, and colleagues will thank you.
Use PRE at your next meeting.
Use it in interviews
“Can you describe your strengths?” Point: “I am good at organising.” Reason: “Because I plan carefully.” Example: “I ran a project that finished early.” It is clean and convincing.
Prepare three answers in PRE form.
Use it on the spot
When put on the spot, the formula gives you a structure. Your brain only needs to find a point, a reason and an example.
Practise with random questions.
Use it in emails
Open with the point, give one reason and one example. Short emails get read.
Rewrite one email in PRE form.
Use it in feedback
“This section was clear. The reason is you used short sentences. For example, your first paragraph was easy to follow.” Specific and kind.
Give feedback in PRE.
Use it in disagreements
“I see it differently. My reason is cost. For example, the last project went over budget.” It keeps debates calm and focused.
Use PRE in a polite disagreement.
Use it with children
Children also respond to “why” and “for example”. It models clear thinking.
Ask a child to explain a favourite with PRE.
Choose a strong point
A strong point is clear and specific. “We should hire another person” is stronger than “Things are busy”.
Sharpen one weak point.
Choose a strong reason
One strong reason beats three weak ones. Pick the best.
List reasons and keep the best.
Choose a vivid example
A short story or detail is memorable. Pick something your listener can picture.
Choose an example with a name and a place.
Use real numbers
A figure can be the example: “Forty percent of calls were missed.” Numbers add weight.
Add one number.
Use a short story as example
A fifteen-second story works well. Keep it tight.
Prepare a mini-story for each key point.
Link with signposts
Say, “My reason is…”, “For example…”. Signposts guide the ear.
Use the signpost phrases.
Pause between parts
A tiny pause between parts helps people follow. Breathe.
Pause for a beat after each part.
Vary the order
Sometimes start with the example if you have a great story, then give the point. Keep the structure clear.
Experiment with an example-first opening.
Add a second reason sparingly
If needed, add one more reason. Avoid piling on.
Limit yourself to two reasons.
Add a call to action
If appropriate, end with “So I suggest we…” It makes your point useful.
Finish with a recommendation.
Practise with news stories
Read a headline and give your view in PRE form. It is good daily practice.
Do one every morning.
Practise with friends
Play a game: ask each other opinion questions and answer in PRE. It is fun.
Try five questions.
Practise in the shower
A short daily practice builds the habit. Talk to the tiles.
Practise one minute.
Record and review
Listen to your answer. Is the point clear? Is the example vivid?
Record and replay.
Write it down first
For important answers, jot a word for each part. A written skeleton is helpful.
Make a three-word note.
Memorise the shape
The shape is simple to remember: point, reason, example. Repeat it until it is automatic.
Say “point, reason, example” ten times.
Stay flexible
Do not make it rigid. Add warmth and natural phrasing.
Make it sound like you.
Do not ramble
If you feel yourself wandering, return to the point. The formula is your anchor.
Return to your point.
Do not over-structure
Not every conversation needs a formula. Use it for answers, not chit-chat.
Choose where to use it.
Check for clarity
Ask, “Was that clear?” and adjust.
Check with a friend.
Be brief
Short answers show confidence. Resist the urge to add more.
Stop after the example.
Welcome questions
After your answer, invite questions. A clear answer is easier to question.
Say, “Happy to say more.”
Use it for toasts
A toast can be a point, a reason and a story. It keeps it short.
Plan a toast with PRE.
Use it for presentations
Each section can be a mini PRE. It builds a clear talk.
Structure each slide as PRE.
Use it for negotiations
State your position, reason and example. It is clear and fair.
Prepare PRE statements.
Use it daily
The more you use it, the more natural it becomes. Aim for three times a day.
Count your PREs.
Celebrate clear answers
When listeners nod and respond directly, enjoy it.
Note a time PRE worked.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday situations.
“My view is that we should start now.â€
“The reason is that time is short.â€
“For example, last month we lost a week.â€
“So I suggest we begin tomorrow.â€
“Thanks for listening.â€
“That is my view.â€
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
State the point
Give one reason
Give one example
Repeat the point
Keep it short
Practise
Adapt
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.
More lessons in “Speaking Clearly”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Handle an Accent With PrideNext: The Rule of Three →
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- The Point, Reason, Example Formula
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- Replace Um With a Silent Pause
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- Stop Over-Explaining
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