Goal

Clear summaries start by stating the goal. What are you trying to achieve?

This could be something big like a company wide project. Or something small like trying to complete a task by the end of the day.

Whatever it is, start by telling your audience what the goal is so they understand where you are trying to go.

Problem

After stating the goal, say what the problem is. This is the thing that's stopping you achieving the goal. It's also the thing you need the other person to know about so you can talk about the solution. Without a clearly defined problem, the solution won't make as much sense.

Don't explain why the problem exists, and don't go into detail about the problem. Give a short statement naming the problem and then move on to talk about the solution.

Solution

Having made the goal and problem clear the person you're speaking to will understand why they should pay attention to what you say next.

The solution is usually the part of your message you want to talk about the most. It's the decision you need them to make, the approach you are planning, or the idea you want to share.