Rule of 3

The magic of three. No, I don’t mean the superstition that bad things come in threes, nor the “photographic rule of thirds”. 

The Rule of  3, subject of this blog, embraces the concept that things that are presented in threes enable us to more clearly make a point that is also more effective and more memorable. All know well the slogans “Just Say No”, or “Just Do It”, or “I’m lovin’ it”.

Throughout our culture from the Three Bears to the Three Little Pigs, to Bettlejuice, Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice, to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, there is a special power (perhaps even magical) to expressing ideas with the Rule of 3.

True, there are examples of famous two and four element components in speeches but none has the power of three.

JFK beckoned, “…ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”

Winston Churchill's reference to “blood, toil, tears and sweat" represents a formidable four element effort, although later shortened to ”blood, sweat and tears”.

Proper use of the Rule of 3 not only allows one to communicate a concept, but to emphasize it and then make it memorable. There are untold examples of the use of 3’s in every form in which we communicate.

Movie trilogies, 3 color flags of nations, mottos such as “location, location, location”, Blood, Sweat and Tears and the list goes on.

Appreciating and mastering the Rule of 3 will enhance your ability to communicate, educate and convince. The effective use of three in all forms of communication, including comedy, are endless. (Three guys walk into a bar…) Three is the smallest number of elements we need to form a pattern. Comedians have long utilized our expectation of a pattern to create their humor. 

Example: Laura Kightlinger: “I can’t think of anything worse after a night of drinking than waking up next to someone and not being able to remember their name, or how you met, or why they’re dead.”

 Master three and you will see how effective your communication will be.

And that’s “the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth…”