Point, Reason, Example, Point again: give a clear answer with support, then return to your point.
What & why
PREP gives your answer first, and stating a point plainly, with the reason behind it, tends to persuade a little more than leaving listeners to work it out. The middle gives listeners what they usually look for before accepting a claim: a reason, and one concrete case that shows the reason at work. Coming back to the point closes the answer clearly.
Before & after
These are fictional teaching examples, not accounts of real events.
“Well, there are several factors... it’s complicated... for instance...”
“We should launch next week (Point). After that, summer break starts and our customers go quiet (Reason). Last year, orders fell by half in the first week of summer break (Example). So next week is our window: let’s launch then (Point).”
See it in action
An original teaching example. The situations and results are fictional.
How do you handle disagreement in a team?
I handle disagreement by getting both options written down side by side before anyone argues for one.
Once the options are on paper, people argue about the options instead of with each other.
When our fundraising committee split between a raffle and a quiz night, I listed the cost, the helpers needed and the likely takings of each on one sheet. Within ten minutes the group chose the quiz, and the keenest raffle supporter offered to run the prizes.
So my first move in any disagreement is to put the options side by side.
How the answer works
- Point
- Answer the question directly.
- Reason
- Explain why that approach works.
- Example
- Show it working in one short story.
- Point again
- Bring the answer back to the question.
Why it works: This is a fictional teaching example. The question asks how you work, so the answer states the approach first. The short story is the example: it backs up the answer instead of replacing it, and the last line returns to the point in fresh words.
When you’ll use it
Giving your view in a meeting when someone asks what you think
Defending a decision or recommendation during Q&A
Answering interview questions that ask for a quality or a view, such as “What is your main strength?”, with a short story as the example
Table Topics and other impromptu questions
Pro tip
Say it, give the reason, show one concrete example, then bring the point back.
Questions & answers
What is PREP structure in business communication?
When should I use PREP?
How is PREP different from STAR and other structures?
Watch this in action
See how speakers use prep in real speeches.
Learn more
Put it into practice
Practice PREP
Work through examples, then test your understanding in a short quiz. Your progress is saved as you practice.