SCR Framework
The Situation-Complication-Resolution (SCR) framework helps you transform complex ideas into clear, actionable messages. Whether you're presenting a proposal, solving business challenges, or guiding decisions, this framework ensures your audience stays engaged and leaves
with clarity.
What is it?
The SCR framework is a powerful communication and storytelling tool used to structure information and arguments in a logical, persuasive, and easy-to-follow narrative. It is famously used by consulting firms like McKinsey & Company to present complex business problems and solutions clearly and concisely.
SCR stands for:
- Situation
- Complication
- Resolution
Here’s a breakdown of each component:
1. S - Situation
This is the opening of your narrative. The goal is to establish the context and provide a stable, non-controversial background for your audience. It should be a statement of fact that everyone can agree on.
- Purpose: To set the stage and establish common ground.
- What it is: The current state of affairs, the status quo.
- Guiding Questions: What is the current business context? What do we all know to be true? What is the relevant background?
The Situation should be brief and focused only on the information needed to understand the problem.
2. C - Complication
This is the core of the framework. The Complication is the event or trigger that disrupts the Situation. It creates tension and introduces the problem, challenge, or opportunity that needs to be addressed. This is the "so what?" factor that makes the discussion necessary.
- Purpose: To introduce the problem and create urgency.
- What it is: The change, the challenge, the threat, or the opportunity that has arisen.
- Guiding Questions: What has changed or happened to disrupt the situation? Why is the current situation no longer sustainable? What is the core tension we are facing?
The Complication turns a simple observation into a problem that requires a solution.
3. R - Resolution
The Resolution is your proposed answer to the Complication. It's the call to action, the recommendation, or the solution you are putting forward. It should directly and logically address the problem you outlined in the Complication.
- Purpose: To provide a clear, actionable solution.
- What it is: The proposed path forward; your recommendation.
- Guiding Questions: How do we solve this problem? What should we do now? What is our proposed plan?
The SCR framework provides a clear and logical structure for communication, making complex arguments easy for an audience to follow. By creating tension with a Complication that disrupts the initial Situation, it makes the proposed Resolution feel like a compelling and necessary solution.
Ultimately, its value is in its ability to persuade stakeholders and drive decisive action by transforming a simple observation into a problem that demands an immediate answer.
Why it works
We like stories with structure. We want to know the background, understand the conflict, and feel good about the resolution. SCR makes it easier for people to focus on what matters: 'What’s the problem, and
how are we solving it?'
When to use it
It’s ideal for problem-solving, persuasive, or data-driven presentations, especially when addressing executives or stakeholders who
expect logical and actionable insights. Avoid using it for purely informational or inspirational presentations without a central issue to resolve.
Remember to
Ensure that each phase of the SCR framework receives appropriate
emphasis. While the complication often grabs attention, it's essential
not to rush through the situation or resolution phases.
Step-by-step
How to use the SCR framework to write a presentation
Step 1: Get your content ready
Step 1: Get your content ready
Before jumping into the SCR Framework, start by compiling all your data, research, and key points. This could be anything from facts, figures, and market analysis to customer insights or project details. Organize them in a way that’s easy to reference.
Tip: Don’t worry about fitting it into the framework just yet—this is just your raw material.
Step 2: Describe the situation
Step 2: Describe the situation
The goal is to explain "what's going on"—to provide a clear understanding of the current state or context. Ask yourself: What is the current state or status quo? What does my audience already know?
Write 2–3 sentences that clearly explain the current state. This will be your foundation.
If you’re talking about a business problem, your situation might include things like: “Our sales have remained flat for three quarters despite increased marketing efforts.”
Goal: Provide just enough context for your audience to understand the starting point. Make it familiar and relatable.
Step 3: Identify the complication
Step 3: Identify the complication
Now, dig into what’s wrong. This is the problem or challenge you need to solve. Your goal is to explain why the current situation is no longer sustainable or efficient.
Look at your data or key points. Ask: What’s the central issue? What pain points are my audience facing? Write a paragraph that describes the problem in detail. This could include things like competitor pressure, market changes, inefficiencies, etc.
Goal: Build urgency. Make your audience see the gap between where they are and where they need to be. This is the hook that keeps them invested in your presentation.
Step 4: Develop the resolution
Step 4: Develop the resolution
Now that you’ve built up the problem, it’s time to offer your solution.
This is where your expertise and insight come in. From your information, pull out the key solution(s) that directly address the complication. How does your idea, plan, or recommendation fix the issue?
Write a few paragraphs that outline your proposed resolution and clearly explain the benefits. Be specific: provide examples, use supporting data, and illustrate why your approach works.
Goal: Show your audience how the resolution will solve the problem and lead to positive outcomes. The more tangible and practical your solution, the more convincing it will be.
Step 5: Draft the presentation outline
Step 5: Draft the presentation outline
Use the completed statements for Situation, Complication, and Resolution to start the formal presentation outline. Make each statement it's own section, and expand through clear explanations that are supported by relevant evidence and examples.
Pay close attention to transitions between sections to guide your audience smoothly from one topic to the next. This helps maintain a logical and coherent flow, preventing the audience from getting lost in the presentation.