What’s so magical about the number three? We have become proficient at pattern recognition by necessity, and three is the smallest number of elements required to create a pattern. This combination of pattern and brevity results in memorable content, and that’s why the Rule of Three will make you a more engaging writer. The Rule of Three works in stories due to the presence of the concise, memorable patterns that I mentioned above. If at first you don’t succeed, remember: the third time’s the charm. Because information presented in groups of three sticks in our heads better than other clusters of items. For example: “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” “Government of the people, by the people, for the people” “Friends, Romans, Countrymen” “Blood, sweat, and tears” “Location, location, location” “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” “Faith, Hope, and Charity” “Mind, body, spirit” “Stop, Look, and Listen” “Sex, Lies, and Videotape” “I came, I saw, I conquered” The United States Marines are big believers in the Rule of Three when it comes to getting things done and keeping people alive. Humor One of the best examples of the power of the Rule of Three is in the world of comedy. Here are a couple of humorous examples that use a shocking third element within the Rule of Three structure. Professional comedians use it all the time, and that’s simply because it works.
What’s so magical about the number three?
It’s no accident that the number three is pervasive throughout some of our greatest stories, fairy tales, and myths.
It’s also no coincidence that some of the most famous quotes throughout history are structured in three parts, nor is it surprising that the Rule of Three also works wonders in the world of comedy.
It all comes down to the way we humans process information. We have become proficient at pattern recognition by necessity, and three is the smallest number of elements required to create a pattern.
This combination of pattern and brevity results in memorable content, and that’s why the Rule of Three will make you a more engaging writer.
Storytelling
Have you ever wondered:
- What the Three Little Pigs, the Three Blind Mice, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, the Three Musketeers, the Three Wise Men, and the Three Stooges have in common?
- Why the three-act structure is the dominant approach to screenwriting in Hollywood?
- Why three bullet points are more effective than two or four?
The Rule of Three works in stories due to the presence of the concise, memorable patterns that I mentioned above.
But even if that wasn’t the case, the number three has been used so widely throughout some of the most memorable works from our childhoods, it’s likely that we are preconditioned to respond favorably to elements grouped in threes.
Think in terms of three when crafting your content and you’ll likely end up with a more engaging outcome.
If at first you don’t succeed, remember: the third time’s the charm.
Sticky ideas
You see the Rule of Three used all the time across diverse areas of life.
Why?
Because information presented…
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