Update: It's that time of year when I get a chance to catch a few Toastmasters' speech contests. They run two types: an evaluation contest and the international speech contest given in their clubs and at higher levels.

When I attend I get quite an education, meet speakers from a variety of backgrounds, and enjoy a helping of positive mental stimulation. Sometimes I leave with a good idea. And oh yes, food is served and there is a raffle.

Feature Article: Speaking in Threes

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It's All in the Beat...

When my fitness instructor plays the CD for her class, it's always dance music that's in four/four, which contains four beats per measure. When she counts one set, we usually perform four or eight reps. And when we complete the reps on the right side, we begin with the reps on the left.

Stretching, exercising and doing cardio are much easier when the rhythmic cadence is even. Breathe in — breathe out. Inhale — exhale. March right, left, right, left. The class follows smoothly to an even beat.

If my instructor switched her CD to a waltz, it would throw us off because we're not familiar with the odd rhythmic feel of threes. It would be a wonderful change, but more difficult to follow. We're used to working out with an even regimen.

But this is quite the opposite when communicating. Expressing yourself using the power of threes is an effective way to say a lot in a short amount of space. Being too even keeled can be perceived as boring. Discover more in today's feature article...

Speaking in Threes

Dear Associate,

Faith, hope and love.

The butcher, the baker, and the candlestick-maker.

One flew east. One flew west. And one flew over the cuckoo's nest.

In the speaking world, speaking in threes is so deceptively simple, yet magically powerful. It has the power to paint a lavish scenery in an instant. It has the ability to churn your stomach with gut-wrenching emotion. It has the creative wherewithal to channel people on a virtual journey. Yet less than five percent of the speakers I've seen regularly use this enchanting device.

In communicating, speaking in threes creates credence to your message. It increases impact to your talk. It adds flavor to you presentation. It supplies syncopation to your speech. And that's a very good thing.

Here are three keys benefits from speaking in threes...

1) You become more engaging. In one of my openings, when touching on childhood dreams I suggested, "Maybe you wanted to become a superhero fighting against the forces of darkness. Perhaps you wanted to cruise the heavens in the space shuttle. Or maybe you wanted the house with the white picket fence and the two-and-a-half kids."

With a broad three-layered stroke the audience is taken back to their youth. They begin to reflect on the dreams they had while growing up. They are also brought back to their childhood surroundings.

But what's also important to note is:

Everyone is now in concert. We have arrived on common ground and are ready to move forward. Or backward. Or sideways. That's the power of speaking in threes.

2) You create a rhythmic cadence. There's actually a pulse in the background when you talk. Even in your daily conversations. Listen closely anytime someone is speaking and you'll sense his or her speaking pulse. The most compelling conversationalists are able to change their pulse in a heartbeat making their message sound more appealing.

Speaking in threes adds a pleasant rhythm to your talk. Say these out loud, "Pain, passion and pleasure. Our lives, our fortunes and our sacred honor. Medical, dental and vision." These all have a quick, punchy, staccato pulse, which makes them easier for your listeners to picture, recall and repeat.

They incorporate the Da, da-Da, da-Da pattern. Wine, women and song. Health, happiness and hugs. Fame, fortune and girls. People may not remember the bulk of your message, but they usually remember the Da, da-Da, da-Da pattern when you've spoken in threes.

3) You will appear as an authority figure. People will perceive you as an expert in your field. Someone who knows what they're talking about. Someone who has been there—done that. It's a huge credibility booster. You will already be ahead of the credibility curve.

I listened to Nick, a member in my speaking group use the power of threes. It was music to my ears. He was telling a story about himself. The audience seemed to be spellbound when he would instantly group three ideas into one sentence. I could feel the forward progression. I witnessed how people tended to lend him more attention when he spoke in threes.

To become a more powerful, gripping and engaging communicator—try speaking in threes. You'll expand the picture you're painting and you'll add variety to your rhythmic pulse. Then watch your audience absorb your message with eager anticipation.

Warm regards,