Semantic Anchors enable efficient LLM communication: Instead of lengthy explanations, simply say "Pyramid Principle" - and immediately activate BLUF, SCQ, MECE, and more.
The Problem
When working with LLMs, we often find ourselves writing lengthy prompts explaining exactly how we want information structured:
"Start with the main conclusion, then group supporting arguments logically, make sure groups are mutually exclusive and collectively exhaustive..."
The Solution: Semantic Anchors
Instead of all that, just write:
"Use the Pyramid Principle"
This single term activates a whole framework of concepts the LLM already knows from its training data:
What Gets Activated
- BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front) - Lead with your conclusion
- SCQ (Situation-Complication-Question) - Set up the context
- MECE (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) - Organize arguments logically
- So What? - Keep everything action-oriented
Why This Works
LLMs do pattern completion based on their training data. Well-established concepts like "Pyramid Principle" (popularized by Barbara Minto at McKinsey) appear frequently enough that they activate coherent response patterns.
Adding to the Catalog
This is now part of the growing Semantic Anchors catalog on GitHub - a collection of terms that enable efficient human-LLM communication.
What semantic anchors do you use in your LLM workflows?