By Michelle Pride
*The 27-9-3 rule originated with Vermont lawmakers and has been widely adapted.
Your message uses no more than 27 words.
It takes 9 seconds to speak your message.
Your message is limited to 3 (or fewer) ideas or main points.
These limitations help you focus on understanding how to connect with a listener. It does not replace your entire appeal, but it is just enough to ‘hook’ the listener into wanting to hear more.
Where might you use such a message?
- Opening a presentation
- “Elevator speech”
- A call to action
Examples:
- “Wind energy is the fuel of the future: let’s invest in turbines, promote energy efficiency, and pressure government to create green jobs.”
- “Almost everyone in our jails and prisons will return to our community. Do you want them prepared to be better neighbors or bigger problems?”
- “Our fish are dangerously close to extinction–this is because almost all of the ocean is unprotected. We’re not too late. We can turn this around.”
Identify a problem or issue that you are passionate about. What can we do about it?
Write a 27-9-3 message, then practice saying it out loud to someone else. Invite their feedback. Then revise your statement based on the feedback you receive.
Some things to keep in mind:
– Who is your audience?
– What’s in it for them? What is their direct self-interest?
– What do you want your audience to think or understand about the problem?
– How do you want them to feel about what you have said?
– What do you want your listener to do after they hear your message?