Pyramid Principle: Logic in Presentation

If the document is very short (fewer than two paragraphs to support each Key Line point), making the reader see the points and how they relate is easy. You simply underline them, and they will literally “jump out” at the eye.

…

If, on the other hand, the document is longer than a paragraph or two for each Key Line point, you want to introduce the points and then reflect them with headings.⊕ (Minto [1996] 2018, p 171)

1. Never use only one of any element …
2. Show parallel ideas in parallel form … by using the same grammatical form …
3. Limit the wording to the essence of the thought …
4. Regard headings as outside the text …
5. Introduce each group of headings …
6. Don’t Overdo

Regard headings as outside the text … Your entire document should be able to read as a smooth-flowing piece without the headings.⊕ (Minto [1996] 2018, p 175)

Introduce each group of headings … never have a major section heading begin immediately after the title.⊕ (Minto [1996] 2018, p175)

You would in any case generally not need a heading called “Introduction” or “Background” as part of a report. To begin with, they overlap because both contain introductory information. In addition, they are unnecessary – what else would the first few paragraphs of a document be? Headings are meant to show divisions of thought, and the “thought” … does not begin until one gets to the Key Line level.⊕ (Minto [1996] 2018, p 176)

There are never more than four points in a chained deductive argument, and never more than five in an inductive one. If you find yourself going beyond, the likelihood is that you have overlooked an opportunity to group, and should rethink what you are saying.⊕ (Minto [1996] 2018, p 177)

If you have a summary at the end,

You want to find a compelling set of words that not only sums up for the reader what you have been saying, but also produces an appropriate emotion in him about it. … The major feeling you want to leave with your reader is that of a need and a desire to act.⊕ (Minto [1996] 2018, p 186)

That said, she discourages concluding paragraphs because they are “so difficult to do well.”

She does suggest a “Next Steps” section is useful, but it should only include the obvious things the reader “out to do Monday morning to get things in motion”