The “power of three” is a communication and presentation technique based on the principle that people tend to process, remember, and respond well to information presented in groups of three.

This concept suggests that three points, ideas, or examples create a sense of completeness and balance, making complex information more accessible to understand and recall.

In practice, it leverages the natural human preference for triads, making messages more impactful and memorable in various contexts, from storytelling and speeches to marketing and technical presentations.

This article will illustrate three reasons why the “Power of Three” is a powerful tool in technical presentations.

Simplicity and Clarity

Grouping concepts into three main points makes complex information more accessible to digest.

People are more likely to remember and understand ideas when presented in groups of three, as it’s a manageable number that reduces cognitive load.

This is why three main points will always be more “digestible” to your audience, whether your technical presentation is ten (10) minutes, thirty (30) minutes, or sixty (60) minutes long.

I just used the “Power of Three” in the previous paragraph. See what I mean?

When you use the “Power of Three,” it appeals more to audience members’ ears.

It is essential that you add transitions between your three main points to show how they “flow” from one another. This will enhance clarity for your audience.

So, the first reason the “Power of Three” is a powerful tool in technical presentations is it provides simplicity and clarity.

The “Power of Three” tool also provides a balanced structure for your technical presentation.

Balanced Structure

Three points provide a balanced framework for a beginning, middle, and end—ideal for storytelling and logical flow.

This structure helps the audience see the progression of ideas and builds a clear path from the problem to the solution.

I often get the question as to how many subpoints I should have for each. You guessed it. Have a maximum of three subpoints for each main point.

You may only have time for two subpoints in your ten (10) minute technical presentations.

However, in your thirty (30) minute and sixty (60) minute technical presentations, you have much more time to elaborate on your main points’ subpoints.

It is crucial for you to ensure what you say about your main points is as evenly divided in time as possible. If the time spent on one or two of your main points is larger than the other two or the last main point, you will be telling your audience that the main point(s) that take the majority of the time is more important than the main point (s) that have less time.

So, two reasons why the “Power of Three” is a powerful tool in technical presentations is that it provides simplicity and clarity and a balanced structure for your technical presentation.

The “Power of Three” tool also provides a way to engage your audience and provide emphasis for your technical presentation’s critical points.

Engagement and Emphasis

The repetition of three points creates a rhythm that holds the audience’s attention and emphasizes vital takeaways.

It lets you focus on the most critical aspects, reinforcing their importance and helping your message stand out.

In my technical presentation openings, I explicitly tell my audience my three points. Then, I tell them my three points again in the body of my technical presentation, along with my subpoints for each main point. Then, in my closing, I again tell my audience my three points.

This repetition of my three main points is what I call my “presentation roadmap.” It is essential to give your “presentation roadmap” to your audience. Would you think of driving from Washington, DC, to Orlando, Florida, without a roadmap or a GPS guiding you all the way?

It is the same thing with your audience. If you don’t give a “roadmap” of your technical presentation to your audience, they will become distracted and wonder where you are going with your technical presentation. It is tough to engage with an audience if they are distracted.

The “Power of Three” also allows you to emphasize three easy main points for your audience and you to remember.

Engagement is key to a successful technical presentation. Using the “Power of Three,” you will focus your audience on the critical ideas in your message. If you had four, five, or more main points, it is hard for your audience to remember what was emphasized.

So, three reasons why the “Power of Three” is a powerful tool in technical presentations are (1) it provides simplicity and clarity, (2) it gives a balanced structure for your technical presentation, and (3) it provides a way to engage your audience and provide emphasis for your technical presentation’s critical points.

Incorporating the “Power of Three” can elevate a technical presentation by making it more engaging, memorable, and impactful.

Harness the “Power of Three” and elevate your technical presentation.

Call to Action

• Group your technical presentation’s concepts into three main points, making complex information more accessible to digest

• Use three main points in your technical presentation to provide a balanced framework for a beginning, middle, and end—ideal for storytelling and logical flow.

• Use the “Power of Three” with three main points to engage your audience and provide emphasis on your three main points

Being a confident, engaging, and effective technical speaker is a vital personal and professional asset. With more than 40 years of engineering experience and more than 30 years of award-winning public speaking experience, Frank DiBartolomeo can help you reduce your presentation preparatory time by 50%, overcome your fear of public speaking and be completely at ease, deliver your presentations effectively, develop your personal presence with your audience; and apply an innovative way to handle audience questions deftly.

Working closely with you, Frank provides a customized protocol employing the critical skills and tools you need to create, practice, and deliver excellent technical speeches and presentations. Connect with Frank and explore how he can help you become the exceptional speaker you were meant to be. Please reach out to him at frank@speakleadandsucceed.com or 703-509-4424 for a complimentary consultation. Schedule a meeting with him at calendly.com/frankdibartolomeospeaks. Listen to his Successful Speaking for Technical Professionals podcast