My Dr. Suessian title points out something I've noticed....when listing items, one gravitates towards three.
Think about this for a second, and answer honestly....have you listed two things, and then wracked your brain for a third? Drafting an email, pounding with furious purpose, and then spending ten minutes trying to come up with a third item on the "To Do" list?
It just seems like a thing one must do. Two adjectives, attributes, action items.....just not enough.
Bullet pointing requires a triumvirate of tasks, a trio of trends...a....a....damn. I can't alliterate in threes....but you were expecting it....weren't you? See what I'm saying?
So, maybe we should ask why? What is the benefit? I've listened to a Mayor, a CIO, and a homeless man all make their pleas in threes (seriously, the last one just happened the other day). And what I've noticed is the power of bullet pointing your agenda, and you must have three.
There is a recognizable cadence in listing things. Now I'll admit, it can be more than three....but never less. And when simplifying a message, three seems to be the perfect number.
Remember a certain GOP Presidential Candidate that had three Governmental Departments that he would cut? He forgot the third one, in a debate, and I would argue this was when he lost in the race. Much can be forgiven, including forgetfulness....but I would argue that the omission of the 'third item' was more mentally impacting to the electorate....it was an unforgivable offense. It was the third rail....see what I did there?
If you have read this, and don't instantly get what I'm saying then the following will occur:
1. You will now notice that you do this. A habit that is inherent, but unknown, will show itself.
2. You will see that, if you haven't, that you now will. You will feel uncomfortable if you don't.
3. This space intentionally left blank, for dramatic effect.
Think about this for a second, and answer honestly....have you listed two things, and then wracked your brain for a third? Drafting an email, pounding with furious purpose, and then spending ten minutes trying to come up with a third item on the "To Do" list?
It just seems like a thing one must do. Two adjectives, attributes, action items.....just not enough.
Bullet pointing requires a triumvirate of tasks, a trio of trends...a....a....damn. I can't alliterate in threes....but you were expecting it....weren't you? See what I'm saying?
So, maybe we should ask why? What is the benefit? I've listened to a Mayor, a CIO, and a homeless man all make their pleas in threes (seriously, the last one just happened the other day). And what I've noticed is the power of bullet pointing your agenda, and you must have three.
There is a recognizable cadence in listing things. Now I'll admit, it can be more than three....but never less. And when simplifying a message, three seems to be the perfect number.
Remember a certain GOP Presidential Candidate that had three Governmental Departments that he would cut? He forgot the third one, in a debate, and I would argue this was when he lost in the race. Much can be forgiven, including forgetfulness....but I would argue that the omission of the 'third item' was more mentally impacting to the electorate....it was an unforgivable offense. It was the third rail....see what I did there?
If you have read this, and don't instantly get what I'm saying then the following will occur:
1. You will now notice that you do this. A habit that is inherent, but unknown, will show itself.
2. You will see that, if you haven't, that you now will. You will feel uncomfortable if you don't.
3. This space intentionally left blank, for dramatic effect.
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