Sketchplanations - A weekly explanation in a sketch

Say “Yes and.” One classic improv exercise is “The Ad Game.” Here’s how it works.

Most companies are peppered with people who are very quick to say “no.” Most newly hatched ideas are shot down before they even have time to grow feathers, let alone wings. In saying “yes” to all those who brought their ideas to me, I was simply leveling the imbalance a bit. And it worked. People who have a deep passion for their ideas don’t need a

The first principle of improvisation—hearing offers—hinges on attunement, leaving our own perspective to inhabit the perspective of another. And to master this aspect of improvisation, we must rethink our understanding of what it is to listen and what constitutes an offer.

‘Saying yes to your partner’s idea represents a risk. You have to let an alien idea in, and if you have to build on it, you have to let it influence you. You can’t plan your response in advance, it depends on what your partner offers.’