PREP Response Formula
Answer clearly with a point, reason, example, and repeated point
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time to result
- ~days to results
- Steps
- 5
- Confidence
- 99%
PREP structures an answer as Point, Reason, Example, Point. Begin by choosing one specific answer instead of listing every possible thought. State that point immediately, explain why it is true, make the reason concrete with an example, and finish by restating the point in light of the example. The opening gives listeners orientation; the middle supplies logic and evidence; the closing prevents the response from fading into an unfinished anecdote. Yasir also uses simpler variants such as Point-Reason-Point and Point-Story-Point when an example appears naturally. The formula is particularly useful for predictable networking questions because a few recurring answers can be prepared once and reused. Its value is not scripting every word, but processing the thought into a reliable sequence before speaking.
Origin
Yasir credited the formula to Stanford and demonstrated it by answering why he became a public speaker first as a ramble and then as one structured reason with a story.
Core principles
- 01Lead with one specific point
- 02A reason gives the claim logic
- 03An example makes the reason concrete
- 04Repeating the point creates closure
- 05Structure prevents unprocessed thoughts from spilling out
How to run it
- 1
Pick one point
Choose the single answer that best addresses the question rather than trying to mention every related idea.
Pro tip For recurring questions, decide this point before the event.
Watch out Multiple competing openings recreate the ramble the formula is meant to prevent.
- 2
State the point
Give the direct answer in the first sentence so listeners know where the response is going.
Pro tip Make the sentence specific enough to stand alone.
Watch out Do not begin with background that forces listeners to infer your answer.
- 3
Give the reason
Explain the logic or motivation that supports the point.
Pro tip Use one reason unless the question explicitly demands more.
Watch out A reason that merely repeats the point adds no clarity.
- 4
Add the example
Use a concise example or story that makes the reason tangible.
Pro tip Choose an example with a clear connection to the opening point.
Watch out Do not let the example become a separate, unconnected story.
- 5
Return to the point
Close by restating the answer so the listener knows exactly what the example proved.
Pro tip Let the example sharpen the wording of the final point.
Watch out Ending inside the example can leave the answer feeling unfinished.
In the wild
Yasir first gave a scattered answer covering confidence, books, mindfulness, and sharing his message. He then led with one point: he became a speaker to show people the importance of their voice. He supported it with his childhood silence and the impact he later created, then returned to helping others see that their voice matters.
→ The same underlying material became focused, emotional, and easy to follow.
Yasir recommended preparing answers once for three questions that recur at networking events: what do you do, why are you here, and tell me about yourself. Each can be structured rather than improvised as a vague stream of thoughts.
→ Preparation makes repeated introductions clearer and more useful throughout future events.
Common mistakes
Giving every possible reason
Trying to include all relevant ideas prevents any one answer from becoming clear or memorable.
Starting with life history
Background before the point makes listeners untangle the speaker's thoughts to find the answer.
Forgetting the closing point
Without a final point, the audience may remember the example but not what it was intended to prove.
Is it for you?
Best for
It is best for impromptu questions, interviews, networking, meetings, and short speaking opportunities.
Not ideal for
It is not ideal when the question genuinely requires multiple competing conclusions or extensive evidence.
From the transcript
“it's Point reason example point”
“I do PRP or PSP Point reason point point story point”
“I'm going to pick one specific reason and I'm going to go into that”
From the episode
Yasir Khan: Speak Like a CEO, a Masterclass on Effective Public Speaking
Yasir Khan