Here’s how to utilize the Rule of Three in your next presentation

Hi - I’m Lauren Ansley. I’m a corporate entertainer and trainer with a background in stand-up comedy. I help people get more comfortable and confident presenting in front of groups.

Have you ever heard of the Rule of Three? It’s based on the fact that human beings quickly identify patterns, and the number 3 is the smallest number needed to establish a pattern.

In the world of standup comedy, the Rule of Three is often utilized to use misdirection as a form of humor - the first 2 things start to establish a pattern, and the third thing shatters expectations, leading to a laugh.

So, how could you incorporate the Rule of Three into your presentation?

Well, you can use this as a way to tell a joke - I’ve worked with HR professionals, and when I’ve spoken in front of them before I’ve said that I have not actually worked in HR, but I’ve worked alongside HR, I’ve supported HR, I’ve been sent to HR.

The third thing is the misdirection, saying that I was in trouble and that’s the joke.

By the way, jokes are WAY funnier when you dissect them, aren’t they?

You could also use the Rule of Three to organize your presentation into 3 key sections, to share 3 key points, to tell a story that has 3 main parts. Because 3 is a nice, concise number and 3 things are easy for people to remember.

In storytelling, the Rule of Three shows up in the 3 parts of the story - the beginning, the middle, and the end.

So, whether utilizing the Rule of Three to get a laugh, to share three key points, or to tell a story, it’s sure to make your presentation feel complete, engaging and dynamic.

I just used the Rule of Three twice in that last sentence. Did you catch it?

Why not give it a try in your next presentation?

I hope you found this video helpful. Thanks for watching!