The 3-line rule: how to stop sounding like everyone else in your messages
By Yogesh Pandey · 22 October 2026 · 2 min read
The short answer
Open your last email, message or post and read the last three lines. Circle every line anyone could have said, like “Hope you’re doing well”, “Great question” or “Excited to share”. Those lines are borrowed. Rewrite one the way you would say it to a friend. A copy has never moved a room.
Read your last three lines
Open your last message. An email, a post, anything. Read the last three lines.
Circle what anyone could have said
“Hope you’re doing well.” “Great question.” “Excited to share.” Those lines are borrowed. A copy has never moved a room.
Rewrite one line like a friend
Take one of the circled lines and rewrite it the way you would say it to a friend. Then use that version.
Try this next time
- On your next message, before you hit send, read the last three lines.
- Circle what anyone could have said and rewrite one line in your own words.
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