The Rule of Three is one of the oldest of all the presentation techniques – known since the time of Aristotle. Here are ten compelling reasons why you should consider using it in your speeches and presentations
- The human brain seems to absorb and remember information more effectively when it is presented in threes
- In psychology, experts believe that three plays a big part in persuasion.
- Three is a common element in virtually every religion, such as the Holy Trinity.
- The Roman’s understood the Rule of Three and referred to it with the Latin maxim “omne trium perfectum” which means “everything that comes in threes is perfect”.
- Ideas presented in threes are inherently more interesting, more enjoyable, and more memorable for your audience.
- Steve Jobs also applied the Rule of Three in almost every product launch he made during his time at Apple. The rule of three worked for Dr. King, Lincoln, and Obama, too.
- There is something complete and satisfying in a group of three, like a three-legged stool that can stand firmly on uneven ground.
- Photographer Ben Long: “Once you hit three, we begin to see some significance, we begin to apply some meaning to something. “
- Stories, an important component of great speeches and presentations – all have three parts – a beginning, a middle, and an end.
- Consider the classics – all employed the Rule of Three: Three Little Pigs; Three Blind Mice; The Three Bears; The Three Stooges; Three ghosts in a Christmas Carol; The Three Little Pigs; The Three Tenors;
The Rule of Three allows you to express ideas more completely and make your presentation more memorable. Divide your presentation into three main parts, and present no more than three elements within each part.
I have found using the Rule of Three helps me to organize my speech or presentations much more easily. For example, I often follow this easy template which incorporates the Rule of Three.
