Over-writing, over-speaking, and over-communicating generally overload an audience’s working memory.
How do you cut through the clutter of too much information?
The answer lies in pigs, mice and their atoms. You’ll also find the answer at restaurants, on the road, and even in a rock group.*
It’s the power of three. We’ve been exposed to it since our storybook and nursery rhyme days. Fast forward to adulthood and it still exerts enormous influence.
Marketing packages messages in threes — problem, solution, outcome. Leaders use this framework to engage their people, with the “why, what and how” of strategies, projects and priorities. Project managers talk about the triple constraint – time, cost and quality.
Applying the rule of three is potent. Its roots in neuroscience and critical thinking make it a powerful communication tool.
Nelson Cowan, the Curator and Professor of Psychology at the University of Missouri, specialises in working memory. His studies show, on average, our central memory stores are limited to three to five meaningful items. Cognitive load theory also suggests that when we start to overload these basic limitations, learning and retention just doesn’t happen.
From a communications perspective, it means decision-making doesn’t happen either.
Apply the Power of Three with a triangle
You can apply this tool to the shortest message, written or spoken, through to a comprehensive communication.
To get started, we recommend using a triangle to help you identify three essential points.
First, draw a triangle and write your topic in the centre. Next, at the top of the triangle, jot down a message you believe most relevant to your audience. Repeat this at the remaining points.
You’ll see below some examples.
Transferring your efforts from the Message TriangleTM enables you to craft succinct and audience-centered communication. Positive audience engagement is the aim and clearer messaging ensures better decision making and improves productivity at every stage of the process.
Find out more
We work with leaders and their teams in public and private enterprise, the education sector, and not-for-profits. You will benefit from our training and coaching programs that apply the Message TriangleTM to your documents and presentations. Reach out via hello@communicateforimpact.com.au
* Did you work out the threes in these examples? Three little pigs; three blind mice; neutrons, electrons and protons; entre, main, dessert; red, amber, green; Earth, Wind & Fire.
