I have learned a speech structure that will make your speeches more impactful. This structure is to focus on the solution, not the problem. More specifically, you can present the following key points in your speech:

1. State what the challenge or problem is.
2. Share what the audience can do to solve the challenge.
3. Show how the solution overcomes consequence #1.
4. Show how the solution overcomes consequence #2.
5. Show the solution overcomes consequence #3.
6. Show the audience what they can do to support the solution.

Let’s look more closely at how you can apply this structure to your next speech.

1. Start with the Challenge: Set the Stage

Your speech needs a strong opening that clearly defines the problem you’re addressing. Instead of just stating facts, try to:

• Tell a compelling story that highlights the issue.
• Use relatable examples so the audience connects emotionally.
• Present the consequences of not addressing the problem.

💡 Example Opening: “Effective networking is hard. How can you relate to another person and show interest in them while also sharing your story? A big problem in networking that makes you less effective at making lasting connections is focusing on yourself instead of listening to other people. If you focus on yourself, the other person may lose interest in the conversation.”

This grabs attention while setting up the need for a solution.

2. Introduce the Solution: Shift the Focus to Action

Now that you’ve outlined the challenge, transition quickly into the solution. Show how a specific action, approach, or mindset is making a difference.

Key strategies:
✅ Be clear and concise about the solution.
✅ Explain how it directly addresses the problem.
✅ Use we-focused language to create collective responsibility.

💡 Example: “When we network with other people, the solution to connecting effectively with the person you are talking to is to show interest in them and to ask questions to keep the conversation moving forward. When you show other people that you are interested in what they have to say, they will be more willing to listen to you when it is your turn to share your story.”

3-5. Show How the Solution Overcomes Key Consequences

This is where you prove that your solution works by addressing the negative effects of the problem and demonstrating tangible improvements.

Approach:

• Choose three key consequences of the problem.
• Explain how your solution counteracts each one.
• Use real-life examples, statistics, or testimonials to strengthen your points.

💡 Example Breakdown:

➡️ How the Solution Overcomes Consequence #1 – When you actively listen to another person, they feel heard and valued. They will be more talkative, especially if you show interest by asking questions and showing that you are listening intently. This will leave them more open to hearing to what you have to say.

➡️ How the Solution Overcomes Consequence #2 – If you are networking in the hopes to find new customers and/or make new connections, actively listening can help you to find opportunities to show how you can solve a customer’s problem with your product or service. By letting the customer do most of the talking you can learn what problem they are trying to solve and you can then explain your product or service in terms of how it can solve the customer’s problem.

➡️ How the Solution Overcomes Consequence #3 – Dominating the conversation yourself will quickly drive other people away. Instead, when we focus on the other person and what they have to say they will view us as good conversationalists. We will develop reputations as people who care about what other people have to say.

6. End with a Call to Action: What Can the Audience Do?

A great speech doesn’t just inform – it inspires action. Close with a clear and compelling call to action.

💡 Ways to Engage Your Audience:

• Ask them to take a specific action (“The next time you are at a networking event, listen first before sharing your story”).
• Encourage continued learning (“When meeting a new person, seek to learn their story by asking questions and showing interest in what they have to say”).
• Use an inclusive message (“We can all be master communicators if we make the effort to first understand and listen to other people”).

💡 Example Closing:
“Networking is a great way to connect with other people, but effective networking is challenging. Use what you have learned today to master the art of communication at your next networking event. Actively listen to other people and learn their stories. Ask questions to keep the conversation going. And only then should you share your own story once you have effectively listened and learned about the other person.”

Final Thoughts: Transform Your Speech by Focusing on Solutions

When delivering a speech, remember: people want hope, not just problems.

By using this structure, you:
✅ Engage your audience with a compelling challenge.
✅ Empower them by presenting a clear, effective solution.
✅ Inspire action by showing how they can contribute.

The next time you prepare a speech, shift the focus from what’s wrong to what can be done – and watch how your message transforms minds and motivates change.