Speaking Structure

Question 1

Question

What are some common speaking structures?

Answer 1

1. Problem > Solution > Benefit
2. Past > Present > Future
3. Comparison > Contrast > Conclusion
4. What > So What > Now What
5. Point > Reason > Example > Point (PREP)
6. Situation > Task > Action > Result (STAR)
   
   • Practical Application Example: Job Interview - Behavioral Q’s
7. Answer > Detail > Describe (ADD)
   
   • Practical Application Example: Q&A

Question 2

Define

Problem > Solution > Benefit

Structure Formula

Answer 2

Evoke an issue, offer a solution, and end by discussing the benefit that your solution will confer

Question 3

Define

What > So What > Now What

Structure Formula

Answer 3

1. **(What): Discuss an idea, topic, product, service, or argument. **
   
   • Example: [Insert Here]
2. **(So What): Explain why it’s important, helpful, or useful – why it matters and is relevant. **
   
   • Example: [Insert Here]
3. **(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]

Question 4

Activity

Structure Reflection Exercise & Questions

Journaling Practice

Daily & Weekly

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

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

Answer 5

_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?

Question 6

Define

Answer > Detail > Describe (ADD)

Structure Formula

Answer 6

1. 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.”
2. 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.”
3. 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.”