A governing thought is the single most important idea in your story. It’s the primary message you want your audience to understand. It’s the “WHAT” part of your matter and also serves as the introduction.

The governing thought is occasionally followed by a framework that seeks to explain it better. This is called the SCQ framework:

• Situation: This is the simple truth contained within a governing thought.
• Complication: The complication addresses the so-what part of your governing thought. The reason behind the dilemma or difficulty.
• Question: It serves as the follow-up to the complication.
  

All these components work together to create an answer, which is the governing thought.

Supporting Thoughts

A governing thought is followed by supporting thoughts. These are facts and data that support the main point (governing thought). According to the MECE Principle, a component of the Pyramid Principle, supporting thoughts should be mutually exclusive; independent of each other but enough to make an argument.

Ensure that you don’t dive into the facts and data while presenting your supporting thoughts. Aim for at least 3 supporting facts (remember the rule of 3).

Data and Facts

Accompany each supporting thought with data and facts. Explain your facts as much as you can and ensure that each point carries weight to reinforce your governing thought.

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