The Rule of 3 – A framework for clear, concise and confident communication 

Have you ever wondered why people tune out when you speak, or simply overlook you in meetings and discussions? Perhaps you’re one of those people who struggle to get their ideas across in a clear, confident and concise way.  Or, you might ramble and think out loud leaving it up to others to figure it out.

Failing to speak with clarity, succinctness and confidence leads to disengaged listeners, missed opportunities to influence outcomes, and establish yourself as  thought leader.

Think about it for a moment: Effective communication is the ability to take the endless strands of thought-yarn drifting through your mind and crafting them into something cohesive, intelligible and relatable to others. A story, if you will, that has a beginning, middle and end.

In other words, it is your responsibility to deliver to your listeners a result that’s gone through a process of editing first so they can enjoy the Final Cut. The one that makes sense to them. 

Here’s where the Rule of 3* comes in. A concept which has been around since time immemorial the Rule of 3 is a simple yet powerful rhetorical device that helps you break down your ideas into three distinct, yet cohesive parts to form your storyline.  Easy for you to unravel sequentially, easy for you to remember, and equally easy for the audience to follow. Consider the following examples featuring that 3-part structure:

  1. Problem (we can’t meet the deadline)
  2. Consequence (clients will be disgruntled and defect to other competitors)
  3. Solution or Ask (quickly expand the team, more resources, etc.)

Another way to present that 3-part structure is chronological:

  1. Past (where it all began)
  2. Present ( where we are at this moment, and what we’ve achieved so far)
  3. Future (where we need to be and what that vision looks like)

Ultimately, you decide what that 3-part structure looks like. As long as it gives you the necessary architecture to construct your thought and communication process in a coherent manner you will stand strong. And the audience will be grateful for being able to follow and process the information you’re trying to convey.

By the way, I’m not the only one who ardently advocates and uses the Rule of 3 in her work (see this very blog!). Many speakers, such as Michelle Obama and Steve Jobs apply it judiciously to build tension and suspense in their presentations.

I’ll conclude with a quote by Franklin D. Roosevelt which sums it up nicely: “Be sincere, be brief, be seated”.

Leaders know what it takes to make an impact.  And you’re one of them.

 

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*The Rule of 3 possibly goes back to the Latin phrase Omne trinum est perfectum and translates as “Everything in threes is perfect/complete”. This principle is found today in anything from speeches, entertainment to marketing. It suggests that humans are more likely to follow and retain information if laid out in 3 entities or segments. The number “3” is also the smallest number to form a pattern. 

Examples:

  • The 3 steps for earthquake safety – Drop/Cover/Hold on
  • On your marks, get set, go!
  • Nike slogan –  Just. Do. It. 
  • 3-Act operas, plays, etc.
  • Folklore: The 3 Little Pigs, The 3 Musketeers, Goldilocks and the 3 Bears etc.