The Three Rules of Three: Watch and Practice

In this video, actor Alan Alda shares his three “rules of three” for effective communication.

Over to You

After you watch the video consider the following question and feel free to share your thoughts with your fellow learners in the comments below. Please be careful to not reveal any personally identifiable information about your place of work, or your colleagues.

Reflect on your own experience in the art of communication. What unspoken (or conscious) “rules” do you have for yourself that help keep you connected and actively connecting?

Optional additional task

If possible, you may wish to find a colleague willing to practice this task with you.

Each of you should think of the most complex topic you’re comfortable discussing. Take turns explaining your topic to the other person, leaving space for him or her to ask questions or interject. Try to follow Alda’s three rules of three.

• Reflect on the above. Did the rules get in the way? Did they help? Was it a bit of both?

If you wish to, you could share with your fellow Learners how this went.