Tricolon is a rhetorical device that involves the use of three parallel clauses, phrases, or words, which happen to increase in power and intensity.

A famous example is Julius Caesar’s ‘Veni, Vidi, Vici,’ which translates to ‘I came, I saw, I conquered.’ This use of tricolon creates a memorable rhythm and amplifies the impact.

“…of the people, by the people, for the people.”

Franklin D. Roosevel’;s advice to speakers is a tricolon:

“Be sincere, be brief, be seated.”

Tricolon can be a very effective tool in speechwriting and public speaking because it uses the rule of threes—a structure audiences find pleasing and convincing.

It organizes ideas in a way that is both aesthetically pleasing and easy to follow.