Speechwriting: The Rule of Threes

The Rule of Threes suggests that concepts or ideas presented in threes are inherently more interesting, more enjoyable, and more memorable.

Groups of three blend of rhythm and emphasis. Three is the smallest number required to form a pattern, and this makes it easy for audiences to remember and process information.

“Stop, look, & listen”

“The hunting of animals to extinction is sad, worrying, and damaging”

Winston S. Churchill spoke of “blood, toil, tears, and sweat,” but the line was remembered (and memorialized by the rock band of the same name) as:

Blood, sweat, and tears.

Here’s some memorable advice:

Stop, look, and listen.

How do you get to Carnegie Hall?

Practice, practice, practice!

Want some attention before you speak?

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears!

What’s important in an event venue?

Location, location, location.

Abraham Lincoln‘s Gettysburg Address contains a constantly misinterpreted tricolon (a group of three).

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow—this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract.

Emphasize the word “we” and the meaning of the sentence comes to light.

Apply the rule of threes to make your speeches, catchy, memorable, and impactful.