The Power of Three

Triple the Impact of Your Message

Last week I facilitated a small group session on speaking to be heard - how to deliver a message with impact. The theme was based on the premise that when you're wanting to speak and ensure your point lands, it pays to deliver your message clearly, concisely and in a way that's easy to remember.

It was from this perspective that we talked about the power of three.

The power of three is a speaking technique that helps give your words impact.

When you deliver a message with a structure that incorporates three parts it creates a rhythm and pattern the brain finds easy to remember. It could be three related points, three pieces of evidence, or three repetitive messages that are all bundled up and delivered together.

Given last week's discussion it was notable to see this technique in action during the announcement of our national election results last weekend.

When introducing the new Prime Minister to deliver his acceptance speech, the now Foreign Minister Penny Wong used it twice.

In front of a noisy, cheering crowd, she captured the audiences attention, effectively delivering her message in a 60 second sound bite using the power of three.

You can watch it here and you will see the technique being used within the first sixty seconds.

It's a structure that's been used by famous orators throughout history and it's also incorporated regularly into our everyday vernacular.

Julius Caesar used it when he said "I came, I saw, I conquered."

In real estate it's used when we talk about "location, location, location". Traffic lights are "red, amber or green", medals are "gold, silver or bronze" and in the movies Superman, fought for "truth, justice and the American Way".

It's a technique you might like to try next time you're looking to deliver a message with impact. The power of three will not only help you remember your words, it will also help others recall your message with clarity and ease.