Figures of Speech

Tricolon

Three parallel words or clauses for rhythm and emphasis.

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What & why

What it is
A tricolon groups three parallel elements, whether words, phrases, or clauses, into one deliberate set that shares grammatical form and often similar length. Silva Rhetoricae uses a stricter definition requiring equal length; Dickinson College and modern speaking guides emphasize three parallel units. The three units can hold equal weight, build in force toward the last (tricolon crescens), or taper off (tricolon diminuens). This parallel construction can also be a Triad, our broader teaching term for three related parts in a short pattern.
Why it works

Three parallel parts can make a line sound complete. Their shared grammatical form sets up a pattern, and the third beat can give the line a clear landing point and a natural moment to pause. This does not guarantee better recall, and a weak or padded third item weakens the line rather than helping it.

Before & after

These are fictional teaching examples, not accounts of real events.

Before

“We improved the app.”

After

“We made it faster, safer, and smarter.”

When you’ll use it

Product launches and feature announcements

Motivational speeches and team rallies

Marketing taglines and brand messaging

Closing statements and calls to action

Pro tip

Keep the structure parallel. Consider whether to maintain balance or build intensity.

Questions & answers

What is tricolon in speaking?

Tricolon presents three parallel grammatical units in one pattern. This guide uses the broader modern sense, illustrated by “We made it faster, safer, and smarter.” Some references also require the units to be equal in length.

When should I use tricolon in presentations?

Use tricolon when listing priorities, benefits, or action items. It's perfect for mission statements, product features, and closing arguments. Use it only when three parts truly belong together: padding a list to reach three makes it weaker, and two or four real items are fine.

How is tricolon different from a simple list of three items?

Tricolon uses parallel structure and rhythmic pacing for rhetorical effect, while simple lists just convey information. Tricolon shapes three parts into one balanced, rhythmic unit, often building in importance or emotional impact.

Learn more

Silva Rhetoricae (BYU) - strict tricolon definition
Dickinson College Commentaries - tricolon as three parallel units
Buckley School of Public Speaking - tricolon examples

Put it into practice

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