HOW TO WRITE BETTER EXPLANATIONS
1. Use the 5 Whys Technique
EXAMPLE: Problem Statement: You are on your way home from work and your car stops in the middle of the road.
1. Why did your car stop? - Because it ran out of gas.
2. Why did it run out of gas? - Because I didn’t buy any gas on my way to work.
3. Why didn’t you buy any gas this morning? - Because I didn’t have any money.
4. Why didn’t you have any money? - Because I lost it all last night in a poker game.
5. Why did you lose your money in last night’s poker game?
- Because I’m not very good at “bluffing” when I don’t have a good hand.
1. Why did your car stop? - Because it ran out of gas.
2. Why did it run out of gas? - Because I didn’t buy any gas on my way to work.
3. Why didn’t you buy any gas this morning? - Because I didn’t have any money.
4. Why didn’t you have any money? - Because I lost it all last night in a poker game.
5. Why did you lose your money in last night’s poker game?
- Because I’m not very good at “bluffing” when I don’t have a good hand.
EXAMPLE TAKEN FROM: http://www.isixsigma.com/industries/government-non-profit/going-beyond-5-whys/
2. Use the "So What" Technique
After each statement, ask yourself "So What", The answer will often provide a suggested solution rather than just a cause. Apply the "So What" five times, as with the (5 Whys Technique above) to develop deeper analysis or stronger ideas.