Stand-up comedy is considered extremely challenging, as it requires planning, skill, and timing in order to make people laugh. To be successful in comedy, timing is a skill every comedian has to master. The rule of three, also referred to as trebling, has been used by generations of comedians throughout the years. In this rule, out of three elements incorporated in a joke, the first two elements are normal scenarios that elicit normal responses and reactions. However, the third element has a surprising and hilarious twist that makes people laugh.
The first two items in the rule of three follow a specific pattern, but the third item is completely opposite and breaks that pattern. The whole idea is to add humor to the story using the last element, but relying on the first two elements in the buildup to the joke. The rule of three applies both to stand-up comedy and when writing jokes into film or television scripts. Timing is essential, as comedians who set up too many items or elements in a joke can end up taking too long to reach the punchline, which makes the audience lose interest.
