Question
What are some common speaking structures?
- Problem > Solution > Benefit
- Past > Present > Future
- Comparison > Contrast > Conclusion
- What > So What > Now What
- Point > Reason > Example > Point (PREP)
- Situation > Task > Action > Result (STAR)
- Practical Application Example: Job Interview - Behavioral Q’s
- Answer > Detail > Describe (ADD)
- Practical Application Example: Q&A
Define
Problem > Solution > Benefit
Structure Formula
Evoke an issue, offer a solution, and end by discussing the benefit that your solution will confer
Define
What > So What > Now What
Structure Formula
- **(What): Discuss an idea, topic, product, service, or argument. **
- Example: [Insert Here]
- **(So What): Explain why it’s important, helpful, or useful – why it matters and is relevant. **
- Example: [Insert Here]
- **(Now What): End with what your audience should do from here with this knowledge - how they might apply it, what actions they should take, and so on. **
- Example: [Insert Here]
Activity
Structure Reflection Exercise & Questions
Journaling Practice
Daily & Weekly
At the end of the work day,: identify one or two communication situations you experienced that day or the previous day, and analyze how you handled them
1. Successes:
- With whom did you converse most easily?
- What made it so effortless and fluid?
- Which structure did you use and why was that so appropriate?
- Did you encounter situations in which you wish you had structured your thoughts more clearly?
- Which structure did you use and why was that so appropriate?
2. Opportunities:
- Did you encounter situations in which you wish you had structured your thoughts more clearly?
- Which structure did you use - and which other structures might have worked better?
- Were you unsure at times of the other person’s message or goal? How might they have used structure more effectively?
At the end of the week: review your journal entries to look for patterns.
- For example, notice if you better spontaneously structuring your communication at certain times of day, when you’re with certain colleagues, or in certain settings
- Think about why that might be, and what adjustments you might make to create more of the optimal circumstances for your next important conversation.
Activity
Next time you read the news, a book, or some other printed communication, take a few minutes to compose a mini presentation in your mind using the What - So What - Now What
Journaling Practice
Anytime / As Needed
_Questions to Ask: _
1. What was the piece about?
2. How was the information in it important or relevant to you?
3. How can you use this information going forward?
Define
Answer > Detail > Describe (ADD)
Structure Formula
- A: Answer the question in a single, clear, declarative sentence. Examples:
- You made a formal presentation for a job interview and your audience follows up by asking about your experience. Potential response: “I have over fifteen years of experience in this field.”
- You’re presenting a progress report for your team at a company meeting and your audience asks why your project is behind schedule. Potential response: “Supply chain issues and logistics delays have slowed us down.”
- D: Detail an example (i.e., provide specific, concrete evidence that supports your answer).
- Interview Example: “I have worked for three companies [name them], defining the scope of new projects, facilitating cross-functional teams, and presenting results to executives.”
- Project Update Example: “For example, the materials we use to build the product foundation were delayed at the port for ten additional days due to tariff issues.”
- D: Describe the value (i.e., provide the benefits that explain why your answer is relevant and salient to the asker).
- Interview Example: “This means I can more quickly identify challenges and provide potential solutions to issues you and your team are confronting.”
- Project Update Example: “We have initiated contracts with addt’l suppliers and have looked into alternate transport methods to reduce future delays.”
