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 (Situation, Complication, Resolution) is a logical communication structure used to turn complex information into a persuasive story.
It is the primary method used by top consulting firms, like McKinsey, to help decision-makers understand a problem and its solution quickly.
SCR works because it front-loads the "why this matters" before diving into details, which keeps audiences engaged and primes them to receive your recommendation. Unlike chronological or topic-by-topic structures, it builds narrative tension—the complication creates a problem that demands resolution, making your conclusion feel inevitable rather than arbitrary. It's essentially the most persuasive structure because it mirrors how people naturally make decisions: understand the context, recognize the problem, accept the solution.
1. Situation: Define the Context
Start with a statement of fact that everyone can agree on. This is the opening of your narrative where you define the context and provide a stable, non-controversial background. If you don't start with common ground, your audience won't follow you to your conclusion. Keep this brief; provide only the information needed to understand the coming problem.
2. Complication: Name the Tension
The complication is the catalyst. It is the specific shift—a market change, a declining metric, or a new threat—that makes the status quo unsustainable. This is the "so what?" factor.
Without this tension, your presentation is just a status report. By highlighting the gap between how things are and how they should be, you turn a dry observation into a problem that demands a solution. If there is no friction, there is no reason for your audience to act.
3. Resolution: Present the Path Forward
The resolution is the logical answer to the tension you just created. It is the call to action or the recommendation that restores balance. A strong resolution doesn't just sit there; it directly addresses the complication. When done correctly, your proposed plan feels like the only inevitable path forward.
SCR in Practice
A full presentation is simply these three pillars supported by data. For example:
- Situation: Our product has maintained a 95% customer satisfaction rating for two years.
- Complication: However, a new competitor just launched a mobile app that does 80% of what we do for half the price.
- Resolution: We need to pivot our roadmap to focus on mobile-first features by Q4 to protect our market share.
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.