PRESENTED BY: JIMMY SANDHU ENGL 393 CRAFTY WRITING Energize Your Prose with the Power of Three BY DAVID PRIESS

Purpose To avoid monotone Alternative to varying length and structure of sentences “Power of three”

Introduction “At its most basic level, this technique uses the innate rhythm of three verbal elements  Words  Phrases  Sentences  Bullet points  Paragraphs  Case studies for more effective illustration, explanation or narrative” (Priess).

The Power Of Three Tense Generate tension with the first item Tenser Ratchet it up with the second Release Release it with the third

Examples The story of Goldilocks and the Three Bears  Mama bear’s porridge was too hot, Papa Bear’s porridge was too cold, but Baby bear’s porridge…was well, it was just right. The Picture of Dorain Gray by Oscar Wilde  Children begin by loving their parents; as they grow older they judge them; sometimes they forgive them.

Formula First, find an aspect of the statement that will sow the seeds of the elements to follow. Any strongly stated wish or conflict will work for the first item as long as you use the second one to contrast the desire or take the reader’s curiosity up a notch. Then waste no time; deliver the rhetorical knock-out swiftly and without remorse.

Great Examples Winston Churchill  “Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.” World War II  “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end. But it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” Julius Caesar's famous message to Roman senate  “I came, I saw, I conquered”  “Veni, vidi, vici.”

Conclusion Simple but powerful technique. Gets the audience’s attention. Leaves a lasting impression. “This simple technique pays immediate dividends by helping you convey information memorably and economically. And maybe, just maybe, poetically” (Priess).

Questions Any Questions?