Here’s how you can sharpen your writing and your speaking:

Use the Power of Three!

The subconscious mind loves threes, for some reason, and we hypnotists know this, which is why we love to speak in threes. It’s hypnotic. Plus, it just sounds and feels very comfortable to hear words and phrases that are grouped in threes.

Do this: When you are speaking or writing, or if you should happen to Become a Certified Hypnotist in one of my classes this year, write your hypnotic scripts to contain the Power of Three.

Using the Power of Three is simple, it’s easy, and it’s highly effective. See what I did right there? Let me try it again: I bet that with practice I can do it easily, effortlessly, and effectively. There, I added alliteration. I think that you can learn to do this even more effectively because you have wonderful inner resources, you have great motivation to succeed, and you have proven your intelligence many times in your life. Did you count that time?

This technique is used all the time by lawyers and sales people, among many others who use influence and persuasion. Three is the perfect number when presenting choices. With one item there is no choice, and with two, the binary option seems too limiting. Four or more would be confusing. Three is just right! Next time you are presented with a selection of three, notice that the third and last will seem like the best choice. That might be because it is positioned there for you to select it as best.

Here’s a list of common phrases and words that illustrate the Power of Three. Notice the familiarity, and the ease with which your ear and mind absorb them:

This, that, and the other
Yesterday, today, and tomorrow
Past, present, future
Lights, camera, action!
Shake, Rattle & Roll
Me, myself, and I
Beg, borrow, or steal
Spindle, fold, or mutilate
Lock, stock, and barrel
Ready, willing, and able
Ready, aim, fire
Ready, set, go
Ready on the left, ready on the right, ready on the firing line
Left, right, and center
Win, place, show
Win, lose, or draw
Snap! Crackle! Pop!
Turn on, Tune In, Drop Out
Stop, drop, and roll
Stop, look, and listen
Reading and writing and ‘rithmetic
Lions and tigers and bears (oh my!)
Red, white, and blue
Rare, medium, well-done
See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Good, better, best
Good, bad, or indifferent
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Famous trios:
Moe, Larry, and Curly
Groucho, Harpo, and Chico
Manny, Moe, and Jack
Huey, Dewey, and Louie
Kukla, Fran, and Ollie
Wynken, Blynken, and Nod
The Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Cowardly Lion
Athos, Porthos, and Aramis (The Three Musketeers)
Melchior, Gaspar, Balthazar (The Three Wise Men, Three Kings, or Magi)
The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit

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