SCQA Model
A storytelling framework using Situation, Complication, Question, and Answer to structure compelling narratives.
Also known as: SCQA Framework, Situation Complication Question Answer
Category: Frameworks
Tags: storytelling, communications, writing, frameworks, businesses, presentations
Explanation
The SCQA Model is a storytelling and communication framework that helps structure messages in a way that naturally engages the audience. It's particularly effective for business communication, presentations, and persuasive writing.
**The Four Elements**:
1. **Situation**: Set the stage by describing the current state or context
- What's the background?
- What does the audience already know or agree with?
- Establish common ground
2. **Complication**: Introduce the problem, challenge, or change
- What's wrong or changing?
- Poke the pain point
- Create tension that needs resolution
3. **Question**: Articulate what needs to be resolved
- What should we do about it?
- Build intrigue
- This is often implicit—the audience naturally asks it
4. **Answer**: Provide the solution or recommendation
- Dangle and then deliver the solution
- This is your main message or call to action
**Why It Works**:
- **Natural flow**: Mirrors how humans naturally process information
- **Engagement**: The complication creates tension that demands resolution
- **Clarity**: Forces you to be clear about problem and solution
- **Persuasion**: Leads the audience to want your answer
**Example**:
- **S**: Your team spends 10 hours weekly on manual reporting
- **C**: This leaves no time for strategic analysis, and competitors are pulling ahead
- **Q**: How can we free up time for high-value work?
- **A**: Automate reporting with our dashboard tool
**Applications**:
- Executive summaries
- Sales pitches
- Problem-solving presentations
- Blog post introductions
- Email communication
The model comes from Barbara Minto's Pyramid Principle and is widely used in consulting and business writing.
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