If you are not familiar with it then I suggest that you introduce yourself quickly. I believe that it is the most highly effective technique for disseminating information with a punch.
As an aspiring Brandpreneur, you have been told, over and over, ad nauseam, that your ability to convey your message with impact is critical to your long-term success. Like so many of us, I knew what to do but was often unclear how to do it well. This changed a few years ago after I had an opportunity to view a talk by former Apple CEO, Steve Jobs. At the time, it was no secret that Steve Jobs was a masterful presenter and marketer. It was there that I witnessed first-hand the power of the “rule of 3.” It was fascinating watching Steve Jobs both excite and influence a live audience. Have I ever told you how much I love learning new things?
What is the “rule of 3?”
Items grouped in 3’s are more pleasant to the listener’s ear, easier to remember, and enhance the audience’s ability to digest the message.
Here are some examples:
Christianity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
U.S. Declaration of Independence: “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”
Real estate: Location, Location, Location
Nursery Rhymes: Three Little Pigs & Three Blind Mice
Barack Obama, Inaugural Speech: “We must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.”
Julius Caesar: “I came. I saw. I conquered. ”
Sound familiar? There are so many more but I think you get the point. The magic behind this principle lies in the fact that audiences have an expectation that presentations will consist of three distinct parts: a beginning, middle, and an end. If one is missing, the audience walks away confused, unsatisfied, and frankly uninterested.
Tip: Take some time to think about how you might use the “rule of 3” to highlight your brand, product or service whether it is in front of a live audience, webinar, interview or during a team meeting. For example, “People utilize my services for three distinct reasons: a)…b)…c)… ” “We will accomplish three things today….” “I am different because of 1)…2)…3)… ”
If you are able to master this skill-set, you will be more persuasive while also enhancing your ability to convey your message with a significant impact.
It is about progress not perfection. It is as easy 1, 2, and 3!!!
Author:
Devin Hughes, The Chief Inspiration Officer is a former college basketball player, sales, marketing and personal branding aficionado, professional speaker, part-time academic and frequent eclectic thinker. He draws on a variety of ideas, disciplines and trends to inspire “Big Thoughts” and facilitate conversations as a catalyst for meaningful change. He is a graduate of Colgate University; he lives in Southern California with his wife and four daughters. Follow him on Twitter. Connect with him on Facebook and Linkedin. His website is http://www.devinchughes.com/ He is available upon request for consultation.
