KISS Review Framework
An action-orientated review model to convert past experience into practice.
The Golden Circle
For understanding how great leaders and orgs inspire action by starting with a clear sense of purpose.
AVP Model
A simple practice to accept the anxiety, anger or sadness and start embracing them.
7-38-55 Rule
Your presence speaks louder than your words.
TOPS Framework
Make your pitch or message clear, logical, and action-oriented.
Winston’s Star
Apply five communication elements to make ideas memorable and repeatable.
2 Minute Rule
Change up the content every two minutes to keep people engaged.
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.
FIRE Model
Separate facts from interpretations to respond to feedback calmly and solve the real problem.
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.
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.
COST Principle
Help people to deliver strong messages or express complex ideas.
Magic Loop Framework
Capture feedback, act on it, make changes stick, and report back with clarity.
RIDE Communication Framework
Help you persuade effectively, build trust, and gain support in any professional setting.
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.
TOPS Framework
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.”