The Rule of Three
Ever find yourself needing to 'think on the spot'?
Right now, with the upcoming UK General Election, it seems every day we're seeing party leaders and MP's being tested out with tough questions. And their ability to think on the spot - and respond - is a valuable skill - and one which can have a significant impact on the results they hope to achieve!
So how do you think on the spot and respond confidently, credibly and convincingly?
One useful way is the 3 point technique.
I've heard this used in several TV interviews recently... and mostly quite effectively.
The 3 point response generally sounds something like this...
Questioner: So why have you not yet addressed the issue of XYZ?
- Past - "Well, the current/previous government has quite simply failed to..."
- Present - "However, we have now completed a full review of XYZ..."
- Future - "And so, we now propose to..."
This example uses the three points of Past-Present-Future, however many other combinations can also be applied in the same way (e.g. City-Region-Country or Employees-Customers-Shareholders or Good-Better-Best etc).
"I came, I saw, I conquered"
It’s no coincidence that some of the most famous and influential quotes from history are structured in three parts. It’s all about the way we process information. We’ve all become skilled at pattern recognition by necessity, and three is the smallest number of elements required to create a pattern.
"Blood, sweat and tears"
Done well, this three point technique enables you to think on the spot and deliver a considered and well balanced response – and that’s why the ‘Rule of Three’ can make you a more confident, credible and convincing communicator (or at least... appear to be!)
And that’s the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth!
