A few years ago, I noticed a weird pattern in my own sessions.
The ones that landed best weren’t the most detailed.
They weren’t the ones with the fanciest slides or the most tools.
They were the simplest.
Even weirder?
When I looked closer, they all followed one specific pattern:
👉 They focused on three.
And that’s no accident…
The Rule of Three is a well documented technique.
Here’s a fun fact: The Romans popularized the phrase “omne trium pefectum” – “everything that comes in threes is perfect“.
That’s why stories have a beginning. middle, and end.
Why jokes come in threes.
Why speakers focus on triads.
(👆Notice the three:)
But why is this technique so powerful?
Three is the smallest number of elements needed to create a clear pattern.
It gives our brains a satisfying sense of completeness without becoming overwhelming or difficult to remember.
And yet, here’s what I see happening in so many live online sessions.
We overpack.
👉 7 agenda items
👉 12 key takeaways
👉 5 different tools
👉 Endless “one more thing…” moments
And what happens?
People get overwhelmed.
They tune out.
They leave with… nothing clear.
If this sounds familiar, trust me you’re not alone.
When you care about your content, it’s so tempting to include everything. I still struggle with that.
It’s easy to think: “More content = better session.”
But online? The opposite is true. Our brains need to work harder. That’s why online sessions are more exhausting than in-person.
So when you add too much, our brains hit capacity fast.
And when that happens?
👉 They stop processing
👉 They stop participating
👉 They stop remembering
(👆Another triad:)
The Good News
There’s a ridiculously simple fix:
✨ Think in 3s ✨
But what does that actually look like in a live online session?
Here are three ways I use the Rule of Three:
👉 3-part structure
I structure almost all of my live sessions around three simple steps:
✔ Experience
✔ Practice
✔ Application
It gives your session a clear, logical flow that’s easy to follow and recall.
👉 3 layers of engagement
I design my exercises with three elements:
✔ Individual reflection
✔ Small group discussion
✔ Whole group share
It builds momentum and keeps everyone actively involved from start to finish.
👉 3 Recap Points
Before we wrap, I always anchor the learning:
“Here are the three things we covered today.”
It reminds people the main points we’ve covered so they can actually remember and use them.
Now I’m so trained to think in 3s, I can’t unsee them. 😅
Remember, when you design with the Rule of Three in mind:
✔ Your sessions feel clearer
✔ Your participants stay with you
✔ Your content actually lands
And suddenly keeping your sessions simple gets a whole easier.✨
Over to you 🎤
👉 So here’s a challenge for you:
How could you think in 3s in your next session?
Hit reply and let me know—I’d love to hear what you try.
This week’s Facilitator Finds 💪
In this section, you’ll find curated events, resources, tips, and tools that I’ve found super valuable — and I think you will too!
🏰 Wise Rooms: Castle Edition (Aug 20-30, Poconos, USA). If you want to get your groups going deeper and thinking better, this 4-day facilitation lab hosted by Spud Marshall is for you. It will bring together curious facilitators to experiment, practice, and explore what actually works—together. (And yes, it will take place in a castle!) 👉 Learn more + apply here.
📆 Fit For Facilitation 1 Year Anniversary, May 13. I’m thrilled to be included in a stellar line-up of live sessions to celebrate FFF’s one year. Register for free here.
💌 Thanks for reading The Quest
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Creatively yours,
Whenever you are ready there are 2 more ways I can help you:
👉Custom coaching & team training. Book a free 15-minute zero-commitment call with me to see how I can support you and your team.
👉 Live Session Design Video Course. Live Session Magic gives you a proven system for designing consistently high-quality online sessions. Join the interest list here and be the first to get access.
👉5-week Live Online Course. The Breakthrough Facilitation course gives you tools, personalized feedback, and a proven framework for designing and leading high-engagement live sessions. Join the interest list and be the first to get the next cohort dates and discounts.
