What? So What? Now What?

Say what happened or what is true, why it matters and to whom, then what happens next.

Last updated Oct 8, 2026

What & why

What it is

A three-part pattern for updates, briefings and reflection, taught in impromptu-speaking and reflective-practice guides. Say what happened or what is true (What?), which can be a problem, a success, a fact or a change; explain why it matters and to whom (So What?); then say what happens next, your own step or a request to your listeners (Now What?).

Why it works

This framework follows a simple order: first what happened or is true, then why it matters and to whom, and finally what happens next. Saying who is affected gives listeners a reason to weigh your point, and a next step that names who does what, and when, is more likely to happen than a general intention.

Before & after

These are fictional teaching examples, not accounts of real events.

Before

“Well, we had this issue with the database... it was causing problems... and then we fixed it somehow.”

After

“The client has moved the launch forward by two weeks (What). That leaves one week, not three, for testing, so the riskiest features need checking first (So What). Please send me your top two test cases by Wednesday (Now What).”

See it in action

An original teaching example. The situations and results are fictional.

What do people need to know about the new expenses system?

What

From the first of next month, all expenses go through the new app instead of paper forms.

So what

That matters most for anyone who travels or buys supplies for the team, because paper claims will not be accepted after that date. There is good news too: the app pays out in about a week rather than a month, so nobody will wait long to get their money back.

Now what

Please install the app before your next trip or purchase, and bring any questions to Thursday’s drop-in session. I will send a two-minute guide tomorrow, and the finance team can help anyone who gets stuck.

How the answer works

What: Say what happened or what is true: a problem, a success, a fact or a change.
So what: Explain why it matters and to whom, without claiming more than you know.
Now what: Say what happens next: your own step or a request to your listeners.

Why it works: The What is an announcement, not a problem. The So what says who is affected and how, for better and worse, and the Now what asks listeners to act.

Start lesson See all examples

When you’ll use it

Answering unexpected questions in meetings or presentations

Providing impromptu updates to stakeholders or leadership

Briefing people on a change that affects them, and what they need to do

Reflecting with a team after an event: what happened, what it means, and what to change or keep

Pro tip

What happened? Why does it matter, and to whom? What happens next?

Questions & answers

What is the What-So What-Now What framework?

It is a three-step structure: What (say what happened or what is true), So What (explain why it matters and to whom), Now What (say what happens next, your own step or a request). It is widely taught for impromptu answers, updates and reflection.

When should I use What-So What-Now What?

Use it when you need to quickly explain something and make it relevant. It's perfect for impromptu questions, status updates, or any time you need to move from description to action. The structure pushes you past reporting to why it matters and a concrete next step, as long as the Now What names who does what, and when.

How is this different from PREP structure?

PREP backs up one point with a reason and an example, then returns to it (Point-Reason-Example-Point), so it suits any question that asks for your view or answer. What-So What-Now What starts from something that happened or is true, explains why it matters, and ends with a next step. Use PREP to answer or argue; use What-So What-Now What to report a situation and move people to act.

How is this different from Problem-Solution?

Problem-Solution argues for a change: the problem, the fix and what people would gain. What? So What? Now What? starts from any situation, good news included, says why it matters, and ends with a next step or a request without needing to sell a solution.