The Rule of Three in public relations and copywriting
In the practice of public relations and copywriting, there’s a simple yet potent rule that has stood the test of time – the Rule of Three.
Whether you’re crafting a PR slogan, a marketing campaign, or even a power speech, the Rule of Three has a remarkable impact on the effectiveness of your message.
So what is The Rule of Three and why is it so popular in the marketing PR and copywriting world?
Tamsin (Tam), the founder of Copy Kooks—a world-famous copywriting school noted that The Rule of Three is famous and trusted “because it’s concise, it’s memorable and it sticks.”
The copykooks CEO provided additions to some famous examples:
- Blood, sweat, tears
- The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
- Stop, look and listen
- Location, location, location
- Snap! Crackle! Pop!
- I came, I saw, I conquered
- Mind, body, spirit
- Just Do It
You also see the Rule of Three in storytelling…
Three Little Pigs, The Three Musketeers, The Three Blind Mice, Three Little Birds (Bob Marley)… you get the picture.
How about God’s famous self-introduction in the book of Exodus-“I am That I am.”
The Rule of Three in psychology and psychotherapy
The Rule of Three is deeply ingrained in human cognition and communication. Psychologically, our brains are wired to process information more effectively when it’s presented in threes.
This phenomenon, known as “tricolon,” has been observed across cultures, languages, and disciplines. From “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” to “stop, look, and listen,” the Rule of Three has a profound impact on how we perceive and remember information.
In psychotherapy, The Rule of Three thinking is having a beginning, a middle and an end. The process can be described as the following:
- An Invitational Beginning
- Deepening the Process, and
- Resolution
The Rule of Three in Public Relations and Copywriting
Public relations professionals often leverage the Rule of Three to emphasize key points, structure compelling pitches, and convey information in a manner that resonates with target audiences.
The Rule of Three serves as a timeless tool for engaging, persuading, and leaving a lasting impression. Go ahead and “Just Use it” to your maximum advantage.
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