One of our clients, while discussing their sales deck, mentioned, 'I was reading a business publication, and they highlighted how the problem-solution structure is the most effective way to communicate. I'd like you to use that approach in our presentation. That’s my only input—I'll leave the rest to your creativity and expertise.'
I nodded and said, 'Absolutely! The problem-solution framework works wonders in presentations too. You might be surprised, but it’s a go-to approach in many of our projects. Communication principles and presentation design go hand in hand.'
That conversation sparked the idea for this blog, where we'll dive deep into the problem-solution structure for presentations, complete with examples to make it clear. We hope you find it helpful!
In case you didn't know, we're a presentation design agency. Feel free to explore our case studies here & schedule a consultation here.
What is the problem solution presentation structure
The problem-solution presentation structure is a communication framework that organizes content by first identifying a specific problem faced by the audience and then presenting a viable solution to that problem.
Here’s how the magic happens:
Problem Identification: This is where you lay bare the issue at hand, like revealing the monster hiding under the bed. You'll want to back it up with juicy data, relatable anecdotes, or gripping case studies that showcase just how significant and impactful this problem really is. After all, a good story is always more persuasive!
Solution Presentation: Once you've got their attention, it’s time to dazzle them with your proposed solution. Describe how your genius idea swoops in to save the day, and don’t forget to sprinkle in the benefits and potential outcomes—because who doesn’t love a happy ending?
Using this structure not only clears the fog of confusion but also engages emotions and creates a smooth flow, guiding your audience from “What’s the problem?” to “Wow, that’s the solution I’ve been waiting for!” It’s the ultimate roadmap from chaos to clarity, ensuring your audience leaves with a sense of hope and a desire to take action.
Example of this presentation structure
To illustrate this presentation structure in action, we’d like to share a case study featuring a pitch deck (investor presentation) we crafted with this approach in mind. This will give you a clearer picture of how it works.
You can check out the case study here: BOCACO Case Study
How to use the problem-solution structure in your presentations
Now, we’re about to dive into the art of crafting presentations that not only inform but also inspire action. The problem-solution structure is your golden ticket to achieving just that. Here’s how to do it, step by step, with some examples so you implement on our advice.
1. Start with the Problem
First things first: you’ve got to identify the problem. This is where you set the stage for your audience. What’s bothering them? What keeps them awake at night? Present this problem clearly and compellingly. Use relatable examples, data, or even a gripping story that highlights the significance of the issue.
Example: Imagine you’re presenting to a group of retail managers about dwindling customer engagement. You could say, “Last year, our stores saw a 20% drop in foot traffic. If this trend continues, we might as well start selling our products on eBay!” This not only states the problem but also creates a sense of urgency.
Now, you might want to dig deeper into the data. Share industry statistics that reflect how customer engagement has been declining across the sector. For instance, “According to recent studies, 75% of consumers feel brands have lost touch with the human element. Ouch, right? It’s like finding out your favorite restaurant now serves frozen dinners!”
2. Make It Relatable
Next, make the problem relatable. Share anecdotes or case studies that resonate with your audience. This way, they’ll nod along, thinking, “Wow, I feel that pain!”
Example: You could follow up with, “Just last month, one of our flagship stores had fewer customers than my grandma’s bingo night! And trust me, she doesn’t even know how to use a smartphone.” This humorous analogy brings the problem closer to home, making it more impactful.
Consider including a brief story about a client who faced a similar challenge. “We worked with Brand X last year, and they experienced a 30% drop in repeat customers. Their staff was scratching their heads, wondering if they had accidentally turned their store into a haunted house. Spoiler alert: they didn’t.”
3. Present the Solution
Now that your audience is fully engaged and perhaps slightly anxious, it’s time to present the solution. Transition smoothly from the problem to the solution by using a bridge statement like, “But don’t worry; there’s a way out of this retail crisis!”
Example: Introduce your solution by saying, “We’ve developed an innovative loyalty program that not only brings customers back but also gets them excited to spend more.” The key here is to keep the enthusiasm high.
Provide a clear overview of what your solution entails. “This program will reward customers for their loyalty, allowing them to earn points with every purchase. It’s like getting frequent flyer miles, except instead of flying, they get to shop—and who wouldn’t want that?”
4. Detail the Solution
Dive into the details of your solution. Explain how it effectively addresses the problem. Use visuals, charts, or even a short demo if possible. The clearer you make your solution, the more likely your audience is to buy into it.
Example: “Imagine a world where every time a customer makes a purchase, they earn points toward rewards. Our program does exactly that! Customers will receive a bonus point for every dollar spent. And to sweeten the deal, we’ll integrate it with our existing app, ensuring that customers never forget about those precious points.”
Don’t forget to highlight any unique features. “But wait, there’s more! Customers can redeem points for exclusive offers, birthday discounts, and even bring-a-friend promotions. We’ll make sure they have all the reasons to come back—after all, who doesn’t love a good discount? It’s like finding money in your coat pocket!”
5. Highlight Benefits
After detailing the solution, it’s time to highlight the benefits. What’s in it for them? Make it crystal clear how your solution will make their lives easier, better, and perhaps a little more fabulous.
Example: “By implementing this program, we expect a 30% increase in repeat customers within six months. Plus, happy customers mean they’ll bring their friends—like a party that just keeps getting bigger! Think of it as the snowball effect; the more customers we attract, the bigger the snowball gets, and who doesn’t love a good snowball fight?”
Incorporate real-world statistics or case studies that showcase the effectiveness of your proposed solution. “For instance, when Brand X launched a similar loyalty program, they saw a 50% increase in customer engagement within the first quarter. Their revenue soared faster than a toddler on a sugar rush!”
6. End with a Strong Conclusion
Finally, wrap it all up by reiterating the problem and your solution in a powerful conclusion. Remind them of the pain and the potential relief your solution offers.
Example: “In summary, while foot traffic may have dropped faster than my Wi-Fi signal during a storm, our loyalty program is here to save the day. Let’s transform our stores from quiet tombs into bustling hubs of excitement!”
Reinforce the urgency of adopting your solution. “If we act quickly, we can turn this trend around before it snowballs into a much larger problem. Let’s not let our competition outpace us while we twiddle our thumbs!”
7. Call to Action
End with a call to action. What do you want your audience to do next? Whether it’s scheduling a meeting, signing up for a trial, or simply giving you a thumbs up, make it clear.
Example: “Let’s work together to get this program off the ground. Reach out to my team, and we’ll set up a workshop to kick things off. Together, we can turn our retail fortunes around!”
Make your call to action clear and compelling. “Don’t wait until your sales figures look like a sad little emoji. Contact us today, and let’s turn that frown upside down!”
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