Courses · · 2 min read

Make Influential Arguments by Design

A design leadership course to make better arguments and get PMs, Engineers, and business executives to listen.

Make Influential Arguments by Design

Overview

When it comes to communicating business rationale, an excellent communication structure can make or break your presentation.

You need a new approach.

In this course, learn one of the most valued and used storytelling structures in business: The Pyramid Principle by Barbara Minto. Get really good at presenting clear, concise recommendations that show the clear pros and cons of different ways to solve the problem and why yours is the ideal solution.

In this course, you’ll make better arguments that get executives to listen.

  • Learn the Pyramid Principle
  • Understand Business Rationale
  • Translate Your Insights into Clear Recommendations
  • Give Actionable Options for Moving Forward

Who is this for?

All levels

Program goal

Learn to use languages and storytelling structures that are already valued by others. Structure your thinking as a series of situations and complications that make sense to your colleagues and present clear, concise recommendations that present clear pros and cons for each option.

Topics Covered

The Situation-Complication-Resolution Framework

The SCR structure is a formative and easy-to-learn structure that is used in boardrooms across the world. Executives and stakeholders value this structure because it is predictable and is focused explicitly on placing difficult trade-off decisions at the heart of the story. You will value this structure because it works in many different situations.

The Pyramid Principle

Developed by Barbara Minto, the Pyramid Principle helps you present better arguments by framing what is known, summarizing logical reasons for action, and ordering the your argument in a way that makes sense to your audience.

SWOT and SOAR

Two foundational analytical frameworks, SWOT and SOAR help you present multiple options to move forward with while highlighting the opportunities and risks of option. These are key structures to helping you address the status quo.

Analytical vs. Narrative Storytelling

Using languages and structures that are already valued by others helps you gain trust and support from business partners. Learn the differences between analytical and narrative storytelling and discover the ideal times and places to use each.


Meet your Instructor

Ryan Rumsey

For 20+ years, Ryan worked as a designer and executive at Apple, Electronic Arts, USAA, Nestlé, and Comcast. He is also the author of Business Thinking for Designers.

Ryan spent 10+ years as the senior design leader charged with building and scaling design organizations.

For the last four years, Ryan has been teaching design executives, leaders, and teams as CEO of Second Wave Dive and lead instructor of CDO School.


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