ONE, TWO, SURPRISE
Andrea Pacini —
“This morning I had coffee, answered some emails… and adopted a llama.”
That’s the kind of line that gets a laugh. It uses a classic structure known as the Rule of Three – and adds a twist.
The Rule of Three is one of the most effective tools in communication.
Three ideas feel complete. One or two feels thin. More than three, hard to retain.
Comedians often use a special version of it called a “triple”. Here’s how it works:
- Start with something normal.
- Repeat the pattern.
- Break it – with something surprising, often absurd.
It’s the typical “three people at a bar” story. The first two do something pretty standard, but the third does something wild and unexpected.
That surprise is what gets people laughing.
You don’t need to be a comedian to use this. Try it when opening a presentation. Mention two ordinary things from your day, then add a third that’s exaggerated. Tie it to your message – you’ll get a laugh and relax the room.
The Rule of Three works. Add a touch of humour, and it works even better.
This reflection is adapted from Timeless Presenter, my book on the principles of communication that never expire.