The Rule of Three (a.k.a. How to Be Unforgettable to Employers)

August 25, 2009 by sparktalk

Whether you’re giving a presentation, telling a story, submitting a proposal or selling your services — keep in mind the “Rule of Three.” Have you ever noticed the pattern of “3″ in many of our traditional childhood stories — three blind mice, the three stooges, the three little pigs, Goldilocks’ three bears, three wishes …. the list goes on and on.

Research has shown that there is a rationale behind the use of “three” in our societal story-telling — our brains tend to naturally think in threes. Add one more element and the memory pattern tends to slip. Why not take advantage of this human tendency when interacting with others?

Knowing the “Rule of Three” and using it in your presentations, your “elevator pitch,” your cover letter, your letter to that important client and other key communication pieces can be incredibly impactful. Use the “Rule of Three,” and people will tend to remember what you said and will likely remember that YOU said it.

As you wrestle with formulating your very next presentation, pick three stories, three key points or three ideas that best illustrate the message you are attempting to convey. Repeat those three elements throughout your presentation. End your presentation by going back to those three elements. The “Rule of Three” works and is a powerful tool for facilitating retention.

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Andy Robinson is a Career Success Coach and Personal Branding Strategist – www.AndyRobinsonCoach.com. He’s also the co-host of the weekly Career Success Radio Show – www.ExceptionalWisdomRadio.com. You can connect with Andy on Facebook – www.AndyOnFacebook.com and Twitter – www.AndyOnTwitter.com

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Filed Under: Career Advice (Articles), Interviewing, Job Search Tactics
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Comments

melissamartin

There's no denying that 3 has a powerful connotation.

Think of the infomercials and testimonials (which job seekers can use in their linkedin.com account and resumes and cover letters). The magic # is 3.

Even the Pizza Pizza commercials are immemorable: 96-11-11 Phone pizza pizza, hey hey!

Yesterday I walked by a sign:"Forget school. Come in and have a gin. Sin, sin, sin!"
But seriously......if we want to be remembered, the law of 3's would definitely be advantageous in our self-marketing tools like the resume and build our personal brand.

I know this intimately because I was a radio broadcaster. (No surprise that phone numbers are repeated in 30 second commercials in.....you guessed it- 3 times!)

Jimmy Sweeney of the greatestcoverletter.com also starts his sales letters with 3's.

For example: 3 reasons why you should hire me at XYX company.

Melissa Martin
bilingual career coach
careercoachingbyphone.com
webinarcareercoach.blogspot.com
funnelthru

You just have to make sure that the 3 things you mention make you look really good. :)
Scott C Griffin

Also works in story telling and interviewing - Situation, Action taken, and Results
Brian Shamberger

This sounds great! I think I'll have to try this out on my next interview when answering questions.
brian fanslau

We use that same rule when creating many of our posts and presenting to the public on social media as well. Your image is great in representing the best remembered comedic series of the early 20th century.

Most all of their actions and jokes resounded and were remembered because of the interaction of three. Also it is crazy how few people organize themselves before an interview for the interview.

If you know you will be asked questions about who you are and what your strengths are be prepared in your mind to answer them and answer them in a way they will remember.