What are the key principles of Top-Down Communication?

top-down
New answer on Sep 22, 2023
6 Answers
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Anonymous A asked on Sep 18, 2023

Hi all, what are the key principles of top-down communication? Some critical principles that I can think of would be being MECE and using numbers to label points.

In addition, apart from practicing cases, what are practical ways to improve top-down communication?

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Ian
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updated an answer on Sep 18, 2023
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Hi there,

  • Signposting
  • State the why
  • Use clear transitions
  • Be clear/concise

In terms of exhibit reading

  1. Summarize the chart/exhibit in 1-2 sentences
  2. Identify the key differences/#s
  3. For each, articulate the major insight/why it matters
  4. Explain next steps

In terms of math

  1. State the main # you are trying to calculate...and why
  2. Lay out the exact math steps you will take
  3. Calculate (silently) while popping up at key moments to update on major step numbers
  4. React to the final number and explain what it means/implications
  5. Explain next steps

BEst practice is by recording yourself and watching it back!

Here's a helpful prior Q&A: https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/mckinsey-top-down-communication-12001

 

(edited)

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Nikita
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updated an answer on Sep 18, 2023
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Hey,

Although The Pyramid Principle by Barbara Minto is always recommended as a must read on structuring, I personally couldn't get through the first pages as it seemed so heavy and boring to me.

Besides, any reading is passive learning which is the least effective method to acquire a skill ever.

Instead, I recommend active learning such as practicing structuring drills, doing cases with peers, taking sessions with a coach, e.g. everything that forces you to actively practice instead of passively consuming content.

Also, try applying structuring principles in your everyday life, for example, try structuring:

- all the kitchen equipment and utensils;

- all the clothes items in the wardrobe;

- all types of groceries in the supermarket etc.

Hope this helps,

Nick

(edited)

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Cristian
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replied on Sep 18, 2023
#1 McKinsey Coach by rating & recommendation rate

Hi there!

If you want to have distinctive knowledge on this, I'd recommend Barbara Minto's book - The Pyramid Principle. It gives you everything you need to know and is explained in a super clear (and top-down ;) ) way. 

Basically, you should visualise top-down like the root system of a tree. 

  • You have the thick part from which the roots spring. This is the governing thought. 
  • Then usually you have a few very thick roots that spread in different directions - these are your ‘areas' or ‘buckets’. 
  • Then each of these thick roots spread in thinner roots - these are the bullet points in your structure. 
  • When you communicate, you need to mention each layer starting from the top and then working down. 

Best,
Cristian

———————————————

Practicing for interviews? Check out my latest case based on a first-round MBB interview >>> SoyTechnologies  

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Benjamin
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replied on Sep 18, 2023
Ex-BCG Principal | 8+ years consulting experience in SEA | BCG top interviewer with ~5 years of interviewing experience

Hi,

If you haven't yet, I'd suggest you read The Pyramid Principle - which covers in detail the questions you are asking. 

I actually think using cases is not often the most effective way to really hone top-down communication, because there are alot of things going on in a case other than communication. Rather, it's better to isolate that skill and work on it. 

  • Try practicing communcating different topics/situations/ideas
  • Record yourself and observe your verbal ticks/fillers/logical structure and revise it as needed.

All the best!

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Anonymous B replied on Sep 18, 2023


The key principles of top-down communication are:

  • Clarity: The message should be clear and easy to understand.
  • Conciseness: The message should be concise and to the point.
  • Completeness: The message should provide all of the necessary information.
  • Consistency: The message should be consistent with other messages that the audience has received.
  • Correctness: The message should be factually accurate.


 

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Pedro
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replied on Sep 22, 2023
Bain | EY-Parthenon | Roland Berger |Former Head Recruiter | Market Sizing

Most people go from facts to conclusion when they explain something.

Top-down communication goes the other direction. You always start with the conclusion. Then go to the reasons/arguments that support that conclusion, then to the facts that illustrate those arguments.

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Ian gave the best answer

Ian

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