The Power of Yes, And...

Sometimes, the most insightful comments come from the least expected source.

Improv coaching in groups or one-on-one.

Recently, in one of my workshops, that exact thing happened. We had spent ten minutes working on an activity I call “Yes, and… Plan.” It’s an introduction to the concept of “yes, and…” and can be the start of the transformation when people apply the process of improv to their lives.

It works like this: with a partner, your task is to plan a themed party. After the initial idea, each sentence starts with “yeah, but…” It might sound something like this:

1: Let’s plan a taco party.

2: Yeah, but not everyone likes tacos. Let’s throw a beach party.

1: Yeah, but the beach can be too hot.

2: Yeah, but…. Etc.

It’s easy to talk about the idea of “yes, and…,” yet it’s challenging to learn and apply. My debriefs after activities allows time for reflection and application to the real world.

In this case, I had a player speak up. She has willingly shared she leans into her introvert and is a little anxious about “improv activities where everyone may be looking at me.” As we’re talking about the feelings of “yeah, but” vs. “yes, and…”, she drops this bombshell:

“’Yeah, but’ ends a conversation. ‘Yes, and…’ keeps the conversation going.”

Mic drop. Quote of the week. Powerful insight!

If you’re ready to continue the conversation, to achieve the success you deserve, to start living a “Yes, And…” Life in a “yeah-but” world, let’s schedule a complimentary coaching call.