The rule of three in persuasion
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The rule of three in persuasion
There are two reasons this technique of using a number at the beginning of a headline is so effective. First, it conveys conviction, which readers trust. It’s declarative, and anything that is declarative implies a strong stance or opinion (which people love). Second, it sounds short. You’re not asking the reader to read about 10 different points,
... See moreNicolas Cole • The Art and Business of Online Writing: How to Beat the Game of Capturing and Keeping Attention
Use a list of three items, or enumerations in general. “One of the main attractions of three-part lists is that they have an air of unity and completeness about them.”
Jeffrey Pfeffer • Power: Why Some People Have It—and Others Don't
If you can’t convey verbally everything in three points, do it in seven. Also, say up front and repeatedly that there are seven points, so that when you get to the fifth one, your listeners aren’t wondering if that’s the last one or if there are 20 more.