Rule of Three

instructor

Group ideas in threes - three points, three examples, three takeaways. Three is the smallest number that makes a pattern and the largest most people hold a...

Summary

Group ideas in threes - three points, three examples, three takeaways. Three is the smallest number that makes a pattern and the largest most people hold at once.

Origin

Rhetorical tradition (the tricolon) - used since antiquity.

Structure

Three of whatever matters: points, examples, takeaways.

When to use it

You want memorability; summaries, takeaways, and section design.

In Nalanda

Cap key points per slide near three; three concepts per module; three closing takeaways.

Notes & tips

Pitfalls to avoid. Forcing a weak third item to complete the set; overusing it until it feels gimmicky.

See also

Minto Pyramid Principle - PREP (Point, Reason, Example, Point)