Problem Solution Presentation Structure [A Guide]

Our client, Jessica, asked us a question while we were working on their investor pitch deck:

"How do we make the problem sound urgent without being dramatic?"

Our Creative Director answered,

"By making them feel the pain before offering the cure."

We work on many decks throughout the year, and we’ve observed a common challenge with them: most fail to create a compelling arc that leads the audience naturally from problem to solution. Either they dump too much information too soon, or they make the problem sound so vague that the solution feels unnecessary.

So, in this blog, we’ll cover what the problem-solution presentation structure is, show an example, explain how to use it in your own presentations, explore the advanced problem-solution-benefit framework, and answer some of the most insightful questions our clients usually ask.

In case you didn't know, we craft high-stakes presentations. We can help you by designing your slides and writing your content too.

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:

1. 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!

   
   

2. 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 a Problem Solution Presentation

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.

Click this link to view full case study...

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 slide to the solution slide 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. 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!”

6. 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!”

An Advanced Strategy: Problem-Solution-Benefit Presentation

If you’ve mastered the basic problem-solution presentation, and you’re ready to take things up a notch, the problem-solution-benefit structure is your next step.

This approach doesn’t just present a problem and a solution, it explicitly highlights the benefit your audience will gain, making your message far more compelling. It’s the difference between saying “Here’s our product” and “Here’s our product, and here’s exactly why it matters to you.”

How to Make your Presentation Better with the Problem Solution Benefit Framework

The problem-solution-benefit structure adds a third layer to the classic storytelling approach. It goes like this:

Problem

Start by clearly identifying and framing the challenge your audience faces. Make it relatable, urgent, and specific.

For example, instead of saying, “Many companies struggle with security,” say, “Companies lose an average of $1.2 million a year due to weak voice authentication systems, putting sensitive data at risk.” 

This hooks your audience immediately because they recognize the problem and its impact.

Solution

Next, introduce your product or service as the answer to that challenge. Keep it simple and practical, showing how it addresses the problem.

For example, “Our AI-powered voice authentication solution secures access in real time, reducing the risk of breaches while making user verification seamless and fast.” 

Visual aids, mockups, or brief demos work well here to make your solution tangible.

Benefit

Finally, spell out the tangible outcomes your audience will experience. Be explicit about what’s in it for them.

For example, “By using our solution, companies can cut security incidents by 80%, save thousands in operational costs, and provide a frictionless experience for employees and clients alike.” 

Benefits can be financial, operational, or experiential, depending on what resonates most with your audience.

The Questions We Get Most About Problem-Solution Presentations

1. What makes the problem-solution structure effective in presentations?

It works because it mirrors how humans think. We notice a problem, evaluate potential solutions, and decide whether to act. By clearly framing a challenge and presenting a solution, you guide your audience logically and emotionally toward your proposed action.

2. Should I focus on multiple problems or just one main problem?

Stick to one primary problem per presentation or section. Focusing on multiple problems dilutes attention and reduces impact. You can mention secondary issues briefly, but the core story should revolve around a single, compelling challenge.

3. How detailed should the solution be in a problem-solution presentation?

Focus on clarity over complexity. Explain how the solution addresses the problem conceptually and, if needed, visually. Avoid drowning the audience in technical details. The goal is to make the solution understandable and credible, leaving technical deep dives for follow-up conversations or demonstrations.

4. When adding the “benefit” layer, what should I emphasize?

Highlight the tangible outcomes your audience will gain. Be specific and relevant, whether it’s efficiency, revenue growth, or reduced risk. The benefit layer turns understanding into motivation, showing why acting on your solution matters in a real-world context.

5. Which types of decks work best with the problem-solution structure?

We find this structure works really well for decks where you need to persuade or influence; like sales pitches, client proposals, investor presentations, or internal strategy decks. It’s especially useful for complex topics or solutions, because it takes your audience from understanding the problem to clearly seeing your solution. For purely informational or data-heavy decks, where storytelling isn’t the focus, it’s usually not the best fit.

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