TALK LIKE A CONSULTANT - Top down communication explained (management consulting skills)

Do you want to talk like a consultant? Top down communication is a key management consulting skill. MBB consulting firms (McKinsey, BCG, Bain) teach top-down communication skills in their mandatory onboarding programs for new consultants. As a former McKinsey consultant myself, I talk about how to talk like a consultant. I teach you the fundamental consulting communication skills that management consulting firms depend on. These are crucial management consulting skills, top down communication is essential for every aspiring management consultant. This communication skills training teaches essential strategy consulting skills, these are presentation skills relevant for professional oral and written communication.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:40 Top-down communication concept
03:36 Communication skills exercise
06:02 Potential communication exercise answers
10:21 Why people struggle with top-down communication
12:14 Top-down communication: Book recommendation
12:40 Wrap-up
The Pyramid Principle: Logic in Writing and Thinking - Barbara Minto*
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[@FirmLearning]

Do you want to learn to create slide presentations like top consulting firms? I created an online course, teaching you the slide writing skills I learned in consulting: link.firmlearning.com/slides

[@thegreencount8793]

hey Heinrich, great videos. Love it. Can you make some content on writing/structuring Emails?

[@reynardonainggolan1298]

You have it oon udemy, right?

[@thefreshestprince89]

This guy simultaneously sounds German and Chinese at the same time. What a combo. Either way, very clear.

[@colinstarr1411]

100% was thinking the same thing

[@FirmLearning]

OK hearing Chinese for the first time ;) Thanks for watching! H

[@teddyzhai4442]

Not sure if this is a complement for someone speaking English

[@yuanyingmona804]

Agree. I am Chinese lol

[@jasminq2995]

hahahah I'm laughing so hard

[@MoosaIslamic]

What I gained: - First give the Key message/finding, then delve into details. - Use time connectives (firstly, secondly, etc.)

[@FirmLearning]

Thanks for summarizing! Best, Heinrich

[@MrRichardyc]

playback at 1.25 speed, you will thank me later.

[@FirmLearning]

Thanks for watching! Best, H

[@harisdarko]

OMG thank you

[@rodrigobelinchon2982]

actually, talking slowly is one of the best habits to communicate effectively . try it when you want to be persuasive or hired, and you will thank me later LOL

[@streemguitar]

Yes thank you

[@geyangsun5207]

Pure Magic!

[@elizabethtan4221]

This is brilliant. Not just what top down communication is, but especially why it is so important 1. Avoid system 1 impulse thinking 2. Your boss doesn’t care how long you worked last night as long as it produces results, so show the results first 3. Showing clarity in thinking - you go beyond just the level 1 superficial details of what you have done but going into what exactly this MEANS for the business and in the context of the brief

[@FirmLearning]

Hi Elizabeth, happy to hear the video is helpful. Also appreciate you taking the time to summarize - thank you! :) Best, Heinrich

[@suedezc4800]

Top-down communication: give a conclusion first, and follow by 3 key reasons.

[@FirmLearning]

Yes, that is for sure a key aspect of it. Thanks for watching! Best, Heinrich

[@eugsoh81]

This is outstanding training. I’m a 45-year old Marketing Manager yet have never come across top-down communication. It’s such a simple concept. Yet crucially important. My wife has pointed out that I am not an effective communicator but I didn’t really know what to do about it. But the way you present this by starting with the summary and providing supportive statements is so logical. I also like how you share about why people don’t speak like this naturally. Thank you!

[@FirmLearning]

Thank you for sharing Eugene. Super happy to hear it helps. All the best to you!! Best, Heinrich

[@einsteindonascimentojunior440]

Great content! Thanks!

[@andrewpocock7067]

McKinsey consultants literally taught a class on this in my workplace 5 years ago. Its effective.

[@FirmLearning]

Agree :) Thanks for sharing! Best, Heinrich

[@pawelnowak3828]

Half of the comments highlited the accent aspect of the video rather than the message. This man clearly explained the basics of communication used in the consulting industry for anyone who aspires to join a top consulting firm this knowledge is worth more than gold.

[@FirmLearning]

Appreciate it, thanks for watching Pawel! Best, Heinrich

[@PlumpLumps]

Was literally JUST told by my ex-BCG business partner to use KZbin to learn how to communicate like a consultant and you uploaded this video. 🙏🏼

[@FirmLearning]

Wow, that is awesome, great coincidence. Hope the video was helpful! Best, Heinrich

[@niahma3494]

No bullshit, advice delivered straight to the point with examples. Will pay for this content if i ever wanted to be a consultant!

[@FirmLearning]

Great to hear you find it to be helpful - much appreciated!! :) Best, Heinrich

[@r2r616]

Great refresher after 4 years out side of consulting! Real value delivered, thanks!

[@ashleyash7751]

I’m an aspiring consultant and somehow I came across to this video. I’ve learnt something today, thank you!

[@FirmLearning]

Very happy to hear that. Thanks Ashley! Best, Heinrich

[@feleciaward1563]

Brilliant! Thank you. As for your accent, ignore the critics and remember content is king. Your content and affable personality are both awesome! I am studying for the PMP Certification, and as students we adjust to knowledgeable instructors from around the world because we want their skillset.

[@FirmLearning]

Thanks Felecia, appreciate it! :) Lots of success to you! Best, Heinrich

[@leha4718]

I don't think the comments on accent have negative connotation. I personally love hearing different accents and find it special and unique about a person. Living in Germany for several years, I also grow to love the German way of speaking English.

[@arshbirdhawan1]

Beyond the experience, the willingness to share valuable knowledge and the effective communication, i was sold when i saw you had segmented your video into sections in the scroll bar with timestamps. Being a junior in a consulting firm, the one thing i have learned is that is that everything you do is a reflection of how you approach work and in an environment where many are happy to skip these seemingly small steps, it really speaks to your attention to detail. Love it!

[@FirmLearning]

Hi, thank you very much for your kind words, much appreciated. Thanks for watching and all the best to you man! - Heinrich

[@berndlehmann2030]

How old are you ?

[@LindaDeeTee]

Not me rethinking every conversation I've had with a manager and above for the last 20 years! This was really helpful! Thank you.

[@xelverano]

very well explained, succinct and straight to the point! Not to mention, the additional resource in the end. Bravo!

[@manuelatientcheu1215]

I really love your work ethic, so impressive! Especially considering English isn’t your first language, your dedication and hard work is very appreciated.

[@FirmLearning]

Thank you Manuela! Thanks for watching as well! :) Best, Heinrich

[@jameslevinson7137]

I've found that I may not have the conclusion on the tip of my tongue if I am interrupted in the middle of my work. So, I think there is another recommendation to help with top down communication: constantly remind yourself of the big picture problem you're solving. Doing so will also help you stay on track, and contextualize your progress with the main problem.

[@FirmLearning]

Hi James, thanks for your comment and sharing your perspective - much appreciated! Best, Heinrich

[@prassetya8584]

I think this is important not only for consultants but also for researchers. In an academic institution, many people get used to speaking in a bottom-up way that causes the listeners to fall asleep within 10 minutes during a presentation.

[@FirmLearning]

Yes agree, indeed common in an academic setting. Thanks for watching!! Best, Heinrich

[@alfredmohammed9197]

My friend just told me to look up speaking like a consultant. Perfect timing.

[@FirmLearning]

Happy to help! :) Best, Heinrich

[@mherc410]

Amazing short tutorial. Had a Pyramid Thinking seminar a year ago and this was good refresher. Thank you!

[@FirmLearning]

Thank you for watching, appreciate it!! Best, Heinrich

[@raphgealon1678]

Thank you so much! You just helped me understand how to better communicate to people in the business world! As someone who has been mostly exposed in the STEM field before transitioning to business, I always wondered why business or non-STEM people start with a conclusion and barely explaining in detail the sources or methodology that led to the said conclusion. For the scientists that I worked with, they usually emphasize the process (so other scientists can get a glimpse how valid or replicable the procedure is) and then arrive at the conclusion. It's interesting how communication differs between STEM and non-STEM majors. This video is definitely recommended for those STEM people who wish to convey effectively their ideas to non-technical people.

[@FirmLearning]

Very glad to hear that Raph, thank you! Yes, top down communication is indeed sometimes contrasted with how academia works. The approach is indeed different. Lots of success to you for the future!! Best, Heinrich

[@anikolelovics8647]

Amazing video, thank you for sharing. Very clear!

[@bethiciaprasek1008]

As a seasoned technical professional, I appreciate your input as I move up the ladder and require additional skills in order to demonstrate business acumen to higher levels in our organization. So not just valuable to those just starting their careers.

[@Gorlenius]

Learned a lot about top down communication, thanks!

[@FirmLearning]

Thank you!!

[@yunpaek]

Haven't thought much about my problematic (verbal) communication style at work until now. This is one area I can improve immensely (and quickly i hope). Many thanks!

[@FirmLearning]

Hi Yun, thanks for your comment and sharing your experience. Great to hear the video helps :) Best, Heinrich

[@dshericemo1144]

Omggggggg! Where have you been my entire career? I wish there were a master class for this topic.

[@FirmLearning]

Hi, thanks for your comment, happy to hear the video is helpful! Will release a more extensive course on this topic soon - stay tuned! :) Best, Heinrich

[@dshericemo1144]

@@FirmLearning That's exciting! I will join.

[@AS-pj2be]

I agree that option 2 is much better, HOWEVER that is information i would deliver in a project readout. If the scenario is actually a CEO walks up to your desk, mid project, I would highly suggest NOT answering with your hypothesis because whatever you say will be stuck and will take more effort to roll back if needed. I would respond, "The project is going great, we've completed our interview activities and data analysis is 3/4ths complete. There is one location that seems to be a clear leader right now however we still plan to use regression testing and landscape analysis to pressure test this. These are planned to complete next week and are on track for our readout meeting with you in two weeks." 1. What's done, 2. What's left, 3. Time table, 4. On track for deadline or behind, 5. Little hint at outcome. If they follow up with question about outcome (aka france), then you can give the example two response. However be sure to follow up with the remaining analysis needed to be done, which gives you the room to change answer in readout if something in the project reveals itself.

[@JasonDainter]

This was really good! Rare to actually learn something on KZbin these days!

[@FirmLearning]

Thank you Jason, super happy to hear it was helpful! Best, Heinrich

[@shivam10b]

Being a strategy consultant, this is pretty spot on! Great job :)

[@FirmLearning]

Thanks Shivam, appreciate it! Best, Heinrich

[@alexandrest-hilaire1036]

Best 13 minutes invested in a long time, awesome video Heinrich! Bought the book as per your recommendation. Keep up the good work!

[@FirmLearning]

Super happy to hear that - thanks for your comment and support Alexandre! Best, Heinrich

[@nikitamaryjoseph7974]

Thank you for those wonderful insights! I'm always going to keep the bottom-up approach in mind. It does make a huge impact. 😍

[@FirmLearning]

You are so welcome! Happy to hear it is helpful. Best to you! - H

[@MQXM001]

I’m a software engineer and I found this supremely helpful as well. Great job 👍

[@FirmLearning]

Super happy to hear, thanks for watching! Best, H

[@tinrajkovic7114]

I really appreciate you having many subtitles for your videos. Keep up the awesome work!

[@FirmLearning]

I am so glad you like the videos! Thanks for watching! :)

[@tinrajkovic7114]

@@FirmLearning Yesterday I landed my dream job in consulting thanks to your videos! My favorite channel in KZbin, mate. Really truthful info

[@MrSiddhant98]

A lot of companies attempt to test people's bottom-up communications during interviews and sometimes it takes a while for people to learn that crisp briefs are much more palatable than diatribes of "oh so i did this, then that and came to this" in everyday workplace updates

[@johntabler3938]

Thanks Sir - I really appreciate the enthusiasm and method of your presentation. Your passion and desire to help really comes through.

[@FirmLearning]

Hi John, thank you for the feedback, very much appreciate it! Best, Heinrich

[@MsKreuzfahrer]

yes, this was great. I'm an entrepreneur.... not a consultant. Don't want to become one either, but I know there is value in the techniques, so thanks for sharing

[@FirmLearning]

Yes, fully agree! These communication techniques are super relevant to anybody, you do not need to be a consultant to benefit from them. Lots of success with your venture! Best, Heinrich

[@tivankaperera8081]

Great tip! Makes so much sense! Really good example too!

[@janl5195]

Thanks for sharing this, Heinrich! Such a great video to watch on a weekend in preparation for Monday madness. Haha. More power to you!

[@FirmLearning]

Haha hope it helps! ;) Lots of success to you tomorrow! Best, Heinrich

[@tigerrx7]

My guy, your channel is my favorite 2021 Christmas gift! Great content, learning a lot. P.S. I’m an engineer so it’s an interesting goal for me to emulate all your lessons in that technical setting.

[@FirmLearning]

Super kind of you, thank you! Happy to hear the videos are also helpful in other industries / roles. All the best and a great start to the new year! Heinrich

[@nosaoghafua]

This is just perfect. Thanks for creating this video!

[@FirmLearning]

Thank you for watching Nosa. Very glad you liked it! Best, Heinrich

[@jonathanfraga3771]

Very valuable info, thanks!

[@ygernkot]

Super helpful and it's a breath of fresh air to find something so practical.

[@thomasmoor2818]

Excellent lesson. Well-delivered and timely content. Thanks!

[@FirmLearning]

Thank you, appreciate it! Thanks for watching! :) Best, Heinrich

[@hgcalben8241]

This channels going to blow up, I'm calling it now. I know quality content when I see it.

[@FirmLearning]

:) Thank you, appreciate it! Best, Heinrich

[@181asma]

Love this 🥰😎thank you so much for your training and advice

[@VictorGabriel-wg1rj]

Dude, this video was like a door opening in my mind, congrats and tks!

[@FirmLearning]

Super happy to hear that Victor, thank you! All the best to you - Heinrich

[@SergioTrujillo11]

Great advice. Ironically, when in in B-school we are instructed to interview with the STAR method...with places the details at the beginning and the results at the end!

[@FirmLearning]

Hi Sergio, yes agree. Overall, I do think using the STAR method is a fair approach for personal impact interviews. However, I would always start your STAR story with 2-3 sencentes of summary what you achieved (before you start using the STAR framework). Best! Heinrich

[@joskeyo4877]

An interview is different. The STAR method works for interviews but you’ve got to keep your response crisp and less than 90 seconds. No blabbing.

[@jisunlee6608]

The fact that you put these exercises and role plays in your videos rly show that you come from a consulting background lol always appreciate ur videos!

[@FirmLearning]

Guess that is a plus :) Thanks Jisun! Best, Heinrich

[@tonypereira6860]

Thanks for this. Really helpful.

[@MRRookie232]

This was very helpful, thank you

[@richstevenson1]

AWESOME ADVICE! Funny how you just know this is the way to present to senior leadership (or anyone who is a decision maker) but you don’t do it. Thank you for pointing this out. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@FirmLearning]

Thank you Richard, much appreciated! Indeed important to really practice this and make sure that one really implements it. Best! Heinrich

[@selvd004]

Very insightful! Thank you for this

[@FirmLearning]

Glad it was helpful! Best, Heinrich

[@tamafun4745]

Thank you for your leadership on this initiative

[@peppson]

Excellent! Thank you

[@jonasbrotherscol]

This is so really helpful for me, I really want to improve my communication skills, I’ve always struggled to communicate effectively. Thank you so much !!

[@FirmLearning]

Sure thing, thanks for watching Laura!! Best, Heinrich

[@sunilknair87]

The current hypothesis about this episode is that it’s top class content. Being from consulting I can say this is perfect

[@FirmLearning]

:) Thank you Sunil, very happy to hear that. Thanks for watching! Best, Heinrich

[@sunilknair87]

I would love to learn more from you. Do you have any personal training programs

[@Soulenergy31]

You are a blessing Heinrich!! once again thank you for this super content!!

[@FirmLearning]

Thank you Saul :) Best, Heinrich

[@jasminq2995]

Thank you so much! It's a super clear video! Loved it!!!

[@FirmLearning]

Happy to hear that. Best! Heinrich

[@jocelynngh4393]

Liked because of honesty, "it will really help me with the KZbin algorithm" 🤣🤣

[@FirmLearning]

Honesty is king! ;) Best, H

[@letlapafly]

I intuitively arrived at this when trying to become a better writer. One idea per paragraph, first sentence presents the main theme, the following sentences offer details.

[@FirmLearning]

Hi Biki, yes makes sense - super happy to hear the video is helpful! Thanks for watching! Best, Heinrich

[@mridultripathi4624]

After listening to him for first 3 minutes, I had to hit the subscribe button.

[@FirmLearning]

Appreciate it, thank you :) Best, Heinrich

[@yachtdame]

This was amazing, my boyfriend is also ex McKenzie and kept nodding his head yes. Loved the advice

[@FirmLearning]

Happy to hear the video is helpful! :) Lots of success to you! Best, Heinrich

[@diuhuongvk]

Thank you for such great videos. I enjoy watching them so much!

[@FirmLearning]

Thank you!! Best, Heinrich

[@kyleyan5974]

Very great skill for conversation

[@suyashnirgude7340]

very valuable, especially for a newbie like me.

[@FirmLearning]

Thanks! Glad it helped :) Best, Heinrich

[@diegohidalgo3905]

Think it like this guys: We are all busy (we have to close deals and talk with investors) so we want first the solution and then why you think that solution is the best one for us(details). This should be basic for all people doing business.

[@FirmLearning]

Yes, this is definitely a key aspect of this. Thanks for watching! Best, Heinrich

[@dougm24]

Have been trying to get my team to do this. Great explanation and example that I can share!

[@einsteindonascimentojunior440]

Thanks for the recommendation of Barbara's book. I am reading it and it is awesome!

[@jackjack-xw1ci]

Interesting. I heard some people say that the Pyramid is already outdated but could not introduce any better alternative. Still the most effective for me, in guiding personal flow of thought and explain them. Would you consider doing a video about how to network? With proper techniques and practical examples like in this video, not just a general approach? I think it would be extra helpful for us. I find it quite awkward to approach people online/offline in various networking situations and follow-up (sub-conscious about making people feel like I approach them with agenda). It takes an investment of times and other things to maintain relationships, but how much is enough? How do you maintain a decent healthy network without exhausting yourself? Thanks a lot for this video.

[@FirmLearning]

Hi Karen, Thank you, appreciate it! Yes, networking is indeed an important topic. Will add that to my ideas list for future videos, also with your additional remarks. Thank you for watching! Best! Heinrich

[@Megaman00700]

Great video - this is exactly how your thinking should go whenever speaking with a client’s management or your own firm’s partners, principals and engagement managers about work related activities. Love the accent hahah PIEramid eh😉 I would mispronounce everything in german so I can’t even talk lol

[@FirmLearning]

Thanks Brennan. Yes, will continue working on my delivery ;) Best! Heinrich

[@Protoman888]

@@FirmLearning Funnily enough I learned of the Pyramid principle originally from a German and he also pronounced it as Pieramid :)

[@ajitpawar3063]

Learnt a lot from your video , never knew the top down approach , glad you are putting so much efforts.

[@FirmLearning]

Hi Ajit, happy to hear that. Thank you for watching! Best, Heinrich

[@jameshizon4861]

Top down - need this. Start w/ key message then drill down into the details.

[@CapitaineBleuten]

Bottom-up : perfect to tell your mom about your week and how much you’re working Top-down : perfect for highest information/time ratio, that ratio diminishing as a the function e^(-t)

[@FirmLearning]

;) Thanks for sharing!! Best, Heinrich

[@dbsk06]

Watch 2.0x speed. Video starts at 1:33 You’re welcome.

[@FirmLearning]

Thanks! :) Best, H

[@63565989]

Lol is it just me or is his English super cringe? 😂😂😂

[@dbsk06]

@@63565989 i agree but he is GERMAN lol

[@Goldmember1603]

I'd rather go for 1,5x speed, still I see where it is coming from: working with mainly non-native English speakers often forces you to slow down your pace to ensure your message gets across.

[@surfernigel1685]

Brilliant. Thankyou!

[@rsnor1425]

Thank you very much for share your knowledge. I always hear from my boss about communication but didn't realize about this concept. Thanks!

[@FirmLearning]

Happy to hear it helps - thanks for watching! Best, H

[@SlippyJimmy123]

My professor once told me in class, I speak like a consultant. At first, I did not understand why, now it is clear.

[@FirmLearning]

Thanks for sharing! :) Best, H

[@telanos2492]

Can you talk about making effective connections in the context of working with client teams? From the client side, I see consultants engaged by the C-suite to work on a range of projects, but notice most client-side staff hold a rather skeptical view of consultants and the value they bring.

[@FirmLearning]

Yes, fully agree. Engaging clients in your projects and really co-creating the results with them is what is absolutely required to make the project a success, but can often be difficult. Noted that down as an idea for future videos - thanks! Best, Heinrich

[@shenweixian8945]

Thank you for this video! Really insightful and useful :)

[@yuqingdai8414]

Thanks so much! I like your channel!

[@happiness17273747576777]

This is a great video! Thank you for this. With regards to top-down communication, what would you recommend junior consultants to work on in order to develop this skill? Do you find that such communication comes naturally with more practice in your daily life? Thank you once again!

[@FirmLearning]

Hi, yes I do believe you learn this a lot on the job, IF you get regular feedback on this from your team lead. In general, I can recommend the book that I linked in the video description to further dive into the topic. Best! Heinrich

[@robinhoyas5088]

Meetings always end too early, so always start with what matters most: results. And to make it as effective as possible, talk as little as possible. If you talk too much, you risk to sound like an idiot trying to bullshit others. If they want to know more, they will ask questions about what they in fact want to know. Also, if you don't know the answer to a question, admit it. Instead of thinking you don't know what you're talking about, they'll notice that you're aware of what you don't know, which actually gives credit to what you claim to know. People prefer to hear a "I don't know" rather than a long, meaningless speech.

[@FirmLearning]

Hi Robin, yes agree, good advice. Thanks for watching!! Best, Heinrich

[@jornartaylor6190]

Excellent reasoning behind why we do what we do and how to adjust. Thanks so much.

[@FirmLearning]

Thank you for watching Jorna :) Much appreciated! Best, Heinrich

[@Dolanpeterm]

Great video. Useful. Thank you.

[@FirmLearning]

Thank you! Best, Heinrich

[@HoWaiLeong]

Very helpful - thank you! What if the CEO comes in when you haven't got any solid results or conclusion yet and it's very much a work-in-progress? In such case, is it reasonable to talk about steps, processes, challenges, etc.? This happens to me quite often in my job at a startup :)

[@FirmLearning]

Thank you! Yes, agree. In this situation, I would indeed talk about the approach / process as this was the "key message" the CEO asked for. Best, Heinrich

[@yoonsungkim5605]

Thank you for this great insight! However I have a question: This method contradicts the STAR method of storytelling. Could you please elaborate when each method is most effective?

[@FirmLearning]

Hi Yoonsung, thanks for your comment! Indeed the STAR method works a bit differently. You will use top-down more in your daily communication. STAR might be helpful in certain instances in behavioral job interviews or special types of business presentations. Best! Heinrich

[@alexandrataylor3749]

I’d add that the audience and situation is very different for each, so they aren’t contradicting per se. Pyramid is to quickly and effectively communicate a message to a very busy person who isn’t focused on us, but the information we can provide. STAR is used in interviews so that we can help people get to know us and how we behave in different situations from past examples of what we did for a Situation / Task. It’s personal, and about us.

[@keithp4139]

Ex McKinsey here - top down communication is a means for effective communication. NOT suitable for storytelling. You usually only use STAR method for behavioral interview like he said.

[@justasz8270]

Adding to what others said, in the interviews, you are specifically being asked about the things you've done - so storytelling or STAR is much better. In the business context, most of the people don't care about what you've done, as mentioned in the video :)

[@monan8886]

Thank you for this great video!! I just recently have come across your channel and your content is fantastic.

[@FirmLearning]

Hi Mona, thanks so much for your kind comment. Super happy to help the videos are helpful :) Best, Heinrich

[@latikas7333]

Excellent presentation. Generous, insightful and pragmatic..thanks!

[@FirmLearning]

Great to hear that - thanks Latika! Best, Heinrich

[@Greta_Traderberg]

I couldn't pay attention to this because of the Arnold accent hehe

[@FirmLearning]

;) Will continue working on my delivery. Thanks for watching! Best, Heinrich

[@leehouzhi]

Get to the choppa!

[@h396569848]

I knew I can find this comment here

[@jasonmark6262]

@@FirmLearning such a good sport 😊

[@user-qs1wc8nz2e]

hahahahaha he makes my day his accent is sooooo cute!!!!

[@kronik907]

How would you deal with a customer who only reads the headlines of your emails? While the Bottom Line Up Front method works well for some customers who will read the whole report, there are some who will just read the key message and then have issues with the process two weeks later. In some settings I think it is fine to provide context or qualifiers to the key message before you get to your key message so that expectations can be managed. But definitely try to get your main point across in the first paragraph if possible.

[@FirmLearning]

Hi Daniel, yes agree. This top down approach is not law of nature, there might be all kinds of reasons why it is important to also talk about process and details. Still, I do find it helpful, as you also write, to summarize the key info in the beginning of the e-mail, instead of hiding it somewhere in the middle of the text body. Best! Heinrich

[@tejasvikaler3421]

This is so helpful. Didn’t realise how a simple technique could be so effective. Thanks for all the insights and information

[@FirmLearning]

So glad it was so helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@sardorakhmedov6475]

Really helpful videos! Thanks a lot!

[@FirmLearning]

Thank YOU Sardor, great to hear you liked it! All the best, Heinrich

[@tayochan503]

Just curious, do you have a list of book recommendations? Would love to see a video on that.

[@FirmLearning]

Hi Tayo, thanks for your comment! Yes, check out the video description! There is a link with some book recommendations :) Best! Heinrich

[@aliibrahim171]

How can someone be a consultant - any routine that we can practise so that we are competent enough to become a consultant in future?

[@FirmLearning]

Hi Ali, Probably biggest hurdle in the beginning is to get in (especially if you are interested in MBB). You can find my thoughts on that topic in this playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLO9mZ8x4h8C5rqLZf5-sywxw7mlyh6RK8 In the videos I also explain what the requirements are (good grades, relevant work experience, leadership experience etc.) If you meet all these criteria you will usually also bring everything to the table that is required to succeed as a consultant. If you are rather looking to improve your technical skills, I created an online course about putting together consulting-style slide presentations. You can check it out here: link.firmlearning.com/slides Hope this is helpful. Lots of success to you!! Best, Heinrich

[@HuongNguyen-ci7eo]

Firm Learning r

[@kareemh7898]

"stop watching youtube videos, focus on getting good grades, and getting along with people/learning new things from them" - a consultant

[@jadeventoniemi5795]

Great video & great delivery! Thank you for this information 😊

[@FirmLearning]

Thank you, appreciate it! :) Best, H

[@rustoo3823]

What a wonderful video and noble initiative! Look forward to more videos like these :)

[@FirmLearning]

Thank you!! Best, Heinrich

[@jarikoskinen2621]

this is exactly what each one should say at Agile daily scrum (standup meeting), no one gives a damn on how late, how hard you worked last night

[@FirmLearning]

Makes sense :) Thanks for watching!! Best, Heinrich

[@landedinlukla]

Communication is all McKinsey has, ultimately.

[@FirmLearning]

For sure some truth to that. Thanks for watching! Best, H

[@Protoman888]

I had a fairly negative experience with McKinsey in my firm on a strategy project as well. The consultants' approach (organised according to the pyramid principle =) ): 1) confidently spout jargon that sounds good and which the recipient does not understand until they go away mystified. 2) leverage synergies, drill down, and don't let the person who you are laying the baloney on realise that you are getting them to do your job for them. 3) Call lots of meetings and spend half of them restating what had gone before. 4) Build a gantt chart where the completion point of each phase of the project is 'ASAP' 5) Pass off googled research as 'industry specialist analysis' and charge EUR300ish per hour for it.