yes and
Accepting, then building
Yes and is an improvisational comedy technique where performers accept what a scene partner has established ("yes") and build on it ("and").
The principle has spread beyond improv into business and communication contexts, where it means responding constructively rather than shutting down ideas: Instead of arguing, try to yes and her suggestions.
- go withMatch or escort
- yeaFormal vote assenting
- go along withAccept another's proposal
- agreeHold the same view
- complyFollow rules or requests
take on board · Tina Fey · scene work · heightening · collaboration · character development · empathy · open mind · improv comedy · validation · active listening · imagination · support · affirmation · brainstorming · spontaneity · creative play · innovation
- improvscenes, offer, accept, improv comedy, warmup
- storytellingstorytelling, story, tale, narrative, narrator
yes andblocking
Impeding forward progress
shutting down · no · denial · shutdown · rejection
yes andshooting down
Eliminating or rejecting forcefully
obstructionism · naysaying · torpedoing · gatekeeping · devil's advocate