How Does Yes And Work?
The best way to understand the power of Yes And is to experience and talk about it with a friend, colleague, or classmate.
Instructions
Here’s a step by step procedure you can use with a partner. It will take about 20-30 minutes.
#1. Watch these two short videos and notice the quality of communication.
- Liz and Dwyer have a Yes And conversation about swimming.
- Glenna and Jody have a Yes But conversation about pedicures.
#2. Decide together on a topic , such as pets, food, vacations you can both talk about.
#3. Have a 1-2 minute Yes And conversation about it.
- Person A makes a general statement about the topic.
- Person B says Yes And (adding something to the story)
- Person A then says Yes And to what Person B said.
- Go back and forth several times as depicted in the video.
#4. Use the same or a different topic, have a Yes But conversation.
- Person A makes a general statement about the topic.
- Person B says Yes But (contradicting some part of what Person A said)
- Person A then says Yes But to what Person B said.
- Go back and forth several times as in the video.
#5. Now, compare and contrast the two conversations in terms of:
- Tone of communication
- Trust
- Relationship
- Teamwork
- Other observations
#6. Privately jot down down your answers to these questions:
- What did you notice about your own communication habits?
- Was one easier or more familiar than the other?
- How did it feel to have your partner say Yes And vs Yes But to your idea?
Thanks for taking the time to explore the Golden Rule of Medical Improv. You are now ready to participate in a Medical Improv activity, like Word-At-A-Time Story. You might also be interested in exploring the growing body of research and these websites, Boynton Improv Education and ImprovTalk.
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