PREP
For a single point, PREP works almost everywhere: Point, Reason, Example, Point. Say the thing. Say why. Give one concrete example. Say the thing again. It takes 30 seconds and sounds like you have thought about it, because you have.
Glossary
PREP
Point, Reason, Example, Point: say your point, why, one concrete example, then the point again, shorter.
From the lesson
Drill step 3
Record it once on your phone and listen back. Cut anything that isn’t part of PREP. Then say it again.
Take it into your day
Answer one question today in PREP form, out loud, and then stop.
Where it is taught
- Day 15 · Say Less, Land More: How to make a point clearly: PREP and the rule of three
In practice
Examples from the course that use it.
Speak, at your desk
The Tuesday meeting answer, into Speak, pressure mode. First take, fifty-two seconds, because you explained who set the meeting up. Second take, thirty-eight. The explanation was never part of PREP.
Cut what isn’t PREP
You strike “so basically”, “I guess”, and a whole sentence about who designed the old version. What is left sounds like a decision.
Related terms
- Rule of threePeople remember three things far more easily than seven. Group your points, reasons or examples in threes.
- Follow-up questionA question about what the person just told you. It proves you listened and keeps them talking.