Communication

KISS Review Framework

An action-orientated review model to convert past experience into practice.

FFC Technique

Give feedback that is clear, specific, and actionable by combining Feeling, Fact, and Comparison.

The Golden Circle

For understanding how great leaders and orgs inspire action by starting with a clear sense of purpose.

4 Patterns of Team Conflicts

Summary of typical conflicts in the workplace, discover proven strategies

Active Listening Spiral

A framework enhances understanding, empathy, and responsiveness.

Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI)

Using dual concern theory to understand and resolve conflicts.

AVP Model

A simple practice to accept the anxiety, anger or sadness and start embracing them.

SBI Model

Deliver objective feedback by separating situation, behavior, and impact.

7-38-55 Rule

Your presence speaks louder than your words.

FORM Technique

A simple way to start conversations.

The Relationship Map

A simple way to evaluate your relationships.

TOPS Framework

Make your pitch or message clear, logical, and action-oriented.

Stakeholder Saliency Model

Sharpen your stakeholder management skills via finding who matters most.

Winston’s Star

Apply five communication elements to make ideas memorable and repeatable.

3A Trust Model

Gives you a simple and clear structure to build trust fast.

2 Minute Rule

Change up the content every two minutes to keep people engaged.

10-10-10 Meeting Model

Structure 30-minute meetings into focused parts for better feedback.

The Rule of Suspense

Reveal your points step by step.

PREP Framework

Deliver clear, structured arguments by stating your point first, proving it, and closing with clarity.

Johari Window

Expand self-awareness, uncover blind spots, and strengthen trust through structured feedback.

FIRE Model

Separate facts from interpretations to respond to feedback calmly and solve the real problem.

ORID Focus Conversation

Help groups move from information gathering to action in a structured and inclusive way.

Harvard Negotiation Principle

Six negotiation principles help both sides get more of what they want.

ZOPA

A practical negotiation concept that defines where a deal is actually possible.

Zoom-In and Zoom-Out Model

Allows you to handle challenges with clarity, whether you need to see the big picture or focus on the details.

Self-Us-Now Framework

Help individuals and groups connect personal stories to collective action.

7C Pyramid Communication Framework

Aim to eliminate confusion and miscommunication in both verbal and written forms

Pixar Storytelling Formula

Turn complex ideas into clear cause-and-effect stories people remember.

Current–Past–Future Interview Framework

An easy framework to answer "Tell Me About Yourself" in a job interview.

Hero's Journey Storytelling Framework

A storytelling framework that makes your message relatable, memorable, and impactful in any context.

The Innovation Story Framework

Narrate how an idea was born, built, and scaled to demonstrate its real-world impact.

VSNC Framework

Persuade and inform with clarity by structuring your message.

COIN Model

Deliver clear, non-judgmental feedback by separating facts, impact, and next actions.

GREAT Coaching Model

Emphasis on timing, ensuring actions are strategically aligned with deadlines for effective goal setting.

Three Circles of Influence

Grow your influence via focusing what you can control.

Radical Candor

Being a great manager without losing your humanity.

COST Principle

Help people to deliver strong messages or express complex ideas.

RACI Model

Bring clarity, reduce friction to the stakeholder communication.

Magic Loop Framework

Capture feedback, act on it, make changes stick, and report back with clarity.

ABCD Trust Model

Increase engagement and commitment in the workplace.

PART Framework

Structure your answers and emphasize takeaways to show real growth.

CLEAR 1

Strengthen alignment between your priorities and your manager’s expectations.

RIDE Communication Framework

Help you persuade effectively, build trust, and gain support in any professional setting.

DISC Communication Styles Framework

Speak their language, not yours.

Freytag’s Pyramid

Helps communicators control emotional rhythm and attention over time.

SCR Framework

Resolve complications with concise, executive-ready solutions.

SCQA Framework

Structure complex messages into a clear narrative that leads the audience to your conclusion.

Pyramid Principle

Structured communication framework which is supporting your point with logically organized details and effective information delivery.

TOPS Framework: Structuring Presentations that Drive Decisions

Make your pitch or message clear, logical, and action-oriented.

FRAMEWORK CARD

TOPS Framework

Goal
Move beyond "providing updates" to "driving decisions" by stating clear asks and evidence-based solutions.
Flow Summary
Targeted → Objective → Problem → Solution
Best For
Strategy Presentations; Business Cases; Problem Solving Decks; Leadership Reports

Why Your Presentations Fail to Convince

Have you ever presented an update and realized people didn’t get the point? Or proposed a plan, only to hear, “So what exactly do you want from me?”

Many professionals struggle to communicate ideas clearly, it's especially painful in reports, proposals, or stakeholder updates.

Top consulting firms solve this with strong storylines. One of their simple yet effective tools is the TOPS Framework — a model that helps structure clear, targeted presentations that drive decisions.

  • T – Targeted
  • O – Objective
  • P – Problem
  • S – Solution

T – Targeted

Know Who You’re Talking To and What You Want

This first step ensures your message is not just “an update” but a purposeful ask tailored to a specific decision-maker. A CEO needs high-level insights. A product manager needs implementation steps. If your message is not targeted, it won't work.

Key question: Who are you speaking to, and what do you want them to do?

Say:“I’m here to get the CEO’s approval for a $300K Q3 user growth campaign.”
Don't Say: “I’m here to share my report/updates.”

Tip: Use this structure: “Audience + Desired Action”, for example:

“Convince the CFO to approve the new financial plan.”
“Help the team clarify ownership for each launch task.”

A well-defined target keeps your communication focused and powerful.

O – Objective

Stick to the Facts, Not Feelings

State the goal of the presentation clearly at the beginning. A clear objective keeps your audience aligned and sets the direction.

Key question: Are you presenting to gain approval? To recommend a strategy? To highlight a risk?

Pro Tip:

  • Write your objective as a one-line goal.
  • Avoid overusing emotional or vague language.
Say: “I need your confirmation on the next-phase proposal.”
Don’t say: “I want to update you.”
  • For presentation deck: use slide titles to reflect each stage of TOPS.

P – Problem

Focus on the Core Issue, Not the Surface Symptom

Frame the problem or challenge that needs to be solved. This creates urgency and makes your message relevant.

Key question: What’s the real problem — not just what’s visible?

A common mistake is stating problems in vague or overly broad terms.

Pro Tip:

  • Frame the problem in credible data or facts.
  • Avoid data overload, and keep it simple: One page = one key message + one data point to support it.
  • Use the MECE principle (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) to break down problems and avoid overlap or confusion, it also brings clarity and directs attention to the real root cause.

S – Solution

Make It Specific, Practical, and Time-Bound

Present the proposed solution backed by evidence. This is where you explain your recommendation, supported by analysis, scenarios, or benchmarks.

Key question: Are you proposing an actionable solution, or just stating the issue?

Pro Tip:

  • Use the SMART principle (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to define the benchmark.
  • Structure the solution in 2–3 strong points, not 10 weak ones.
  • Keep the solution actionable.
  • Don’t leave the solution empty and avoid broad ideas:
Strong: “Hold weekly stand-ups every Wednesday, led by [name], to track deliverables.”
Weak: “improve communication.”