(08/40)

Last August, I was recruited to play some Improv games – the type that have been made popular by the show Who’s Line is it Anyway.

Not knowing much about the topic, I asked everyone I knew who might have some expertise in the subject what he or she thought the most important things would be for me to keep in mind.

Repeatedly, the advice I was given was to always say ‘yes, and . . . .’

Everyone agreed that I should avoid saying “no” because it would inevitably shut the scene down, thus ending the fun.

I was told, for example, if someone in a scene said to me, “You certainly love guacamole!” my response should be, “Yes, and . . .” and then I should add some new information.

Here are two examples:

• “Isn’t this the best zoo you’ve ever visited?”
• “Yes, and the orangutans here sure are the tastiest!”

• “Do you want some ice cream?”
• “Yes, and three shoes . . .”

I quickly realized that this tip wasn’t only useful for improvisations – it was a life lesson too.
The word “no” really puts a stop to things.

Look at the difference between these two responses:

• “Do you like the soup?”
• “No, it needs salt.”

• “Do you like the soup?”
• “Yes, and I could use some salt.”

When someone tells me that they want something or asks me a question, I have the option to affirm them or to shut them down. I know when I’ve been in their shoes that the former is much more pleasant.
How about making a commitment to test this out for a little while?

(You already know the answer, it’s “Yes, and . . . “)

With love,


Rabbi Brian

And, if you care to, click here to see comments on the streetprophets site where this article went up last week.