Scattered Narration: Structured Signposting Training

Diagnosis: Scattered Narration

Your challenge is scattered narration. You’re talking through your thinking, but jumping between topics without clear structure, making it difficult for interviewers to follow your logic.

Key Technique: Structured Narration with Signposting

The solution is to use explicit section markers and transition phrases so your interviewer can track where you are in your thinking process.

The Structure Template

"Let me approach this systematically.

[UNDERSTANDING] First, let me understand...
[PROBLEM] Now, what are the key pain points?
[SOLUTIONS] So for solutions, I'd focus on...
[TRADE-OFFS] The key trade-offs are...
[METRICS] To measure success, I'd track..."

Scattered vs. Structured Example

Scattered (Hard to Follow):

"So for fitness trackers... elderly users... they probably have heart issues...
but also maybe they want to stay active... oh and accessibility is important
because vision problems... wait, what about price sensitivity?"

Structured (Clear Path):

"Let me approach this systematically.

First, let me understand the users.
Elderly users, probably 65+. Key segments: active seniors wanting to
maintain fitness, sedentary seniors needing motivation.
Let me focus on sedentary seniors since they have more barriers.

Now, what are their key pain points?
Intimidation from being out of shape, fear of injury, low confidence.
These are psychological barriers, not just physical.

So for solutions...
Safety first (low-impact activities), confidence building
(celebrate small wins), simplicity (one-button interface).

For V1, I'd focus on...
Just walking tracking with gentle daily goals."

Practice Scenario

Design a feature that helps busy professionals eat healthier meals.

Instructions:
Type out what you would SAY while solving this. Use the structure template:

• Understanding → Problem → Solutions → Trade-offs → Metrics
• Use signposting phrases: “First, let me understand…” “Now, what are…” “So for solutions…”
• Make your section transitions EXPLICIT and VISIBLE
• Explain why you’re moving from one section to the next

Take your time and type out your full narrated response below.