Yes, and…

'Yes, and…' is an exercise derived from improvisational theatre, used to work on listening, acceptance, and collective building. In pairs, participants organise something together, such as a team party or a trip. They experience two successive conversations on the same topic: first with responses starting with 'Yes, but', then with responses starting with 'Yes, and'. The debrief allows for a comparison of the energy, fluidity, and richness of the ideas produced.

Walkthrough

1. 1

   Setting the framework and intention

   2 min

   The facilitator presents the exercise as a short improvisation experience, with no performance stakes. They say: 'We are going to test how a simple phrasing changes the way an idea circulates in a group. It’s not about being funny or brilliant, but about listening and responding according to a specific constraint.' Participants make themselves available, standing or sitting depending on the context. The aim is to create a light, safe, and learning-oriented environment.

   Tip — Emphasise from the start that there are no right ideas to produce: this prevents participants from trying to be original instead of observing the effect of the instruction.

2. 2

   Forming pairs and choosing the topic

   2 min

   The facilitator asks participants to pair up. They suggest a simple topic to organise together, such as a team party or a trip, and keeps the same topic for both rounds. They say: 'Your mission is to build this project together, line by line. Each person speaks in turn, adding a concrete proposal.' Pairs check that they have understood the topic and prepare to start.

   Tip — Choose a topic that is very familiar to the group: the simpler the context, the more clearly participants perceive the effect of language rather than getting lost in the content.

3. 3

   Round 1: conversation in 'Yes, but'

   3 to 5 min

   The facilitator starts the first round with a strict rule: each line must begin with 'Yes, but'. They say: 'You are organising the project together. Each time your partner proposes something, you must respond by starting with “Yes, but…”, then add your idea. Alternate speaking turns until I signal.' Participants converse in pairs while adhering to this formula. The facilitator circulates, listens, and gently reminds them of the constraint if necessary.

   Tip — If some participants spontaneously replace it with 'Yes, and' or argue at length, bring them back to short replies: the mechanical repetition of 'Yes, but' makes the effect much more visible.

4. 4

   Micro-pause for observation

   1 to 2 min

   The facilitator stops the exchanges and asks participants not to analyse in detail yet. They say: 'Just keep in mind what you felt: the energy, the ease of moving forward, and the result obtained. We will compare after the second round.' Pairs take a few seconds to memorise their impressions without entering into a debate. This pause serves to anchor the experience of the first round before changing the rule.

   Tip — Do not conduct a full debrief here: otherwise, participants over-intellectualise and play differently in the second round to 'do well'.

5. 5

   Round 2: conversation in 'Yes, and'

   3 to 5 min

   The facilitator reintroduces the same topic with a new rule: each line must begin with 'Yes, and'. They say: 'You are taking the same type of project. This time, you accept the other’s idea and extend it: each response starts with “Yes, and…”. Add something that builds on what has just been said.' Participants return to pairs, alternate lines, and develop the project. The facilitator observes the difference in energy, rhythm, and cooperation.

   Tip — Remind them that 'Yes, and' does not mean agreeing with everything in real life: in the exercise, it is a constraint to strengthen listening and building before evaluation.

6. 6

   Hot comparison

   3 min

   The facilitator invites participants to immediately compare the two conversations. They ask: 'What changed between the first and second rounds? In which did you have the most ideas? In which did the project progress most easily?' A few pairs share concrete observations, without yet trying to draw all the lessons. The facilitator notes or reformulates the differences in energy, fluidity, and results.

   Tip — Ask for specific examples of lines heard or turning points in the conversation: this avoids vague comments like 'it was better'.

7. 7

   Linking to collective work

   3 to 5 min

   The facilitator broadens the discussion to professional situations, particularly brainstorming and problem-solving meetings. They say: 'In our exchanges, what forms of “Yes, but” do we often hear? And what would a useful “Yes, and” look like, without losing critical spirit?' Participants identify concrete behaviours: welcoming an idea, clarifying it, enriching it, and only then evaluating it. The facilitator concludes on the effect of language on creativity and cooperation.

   Tip — Clearly separate two phases: divergence with 'Yes, and' to generate, then convergence to sort. This distinction reassures profiles who fear unfiltered creativity.

Variants

• Large group variant: all participants remain in pairs, then only a few pairs share their observations in plenary. This keeps the exercise short even with a large group.
• Work-related topic variant: replace the party or trip with a topic close to the group's context, such as improving customer service or imagining a new team ritual. Keep the topic simple to avoid turning the exercise into a work meeting.
• Remote variant: create pairs in virtual rooms and clearly announce the round's rule before each breakout session. Return to plenary between the two rounds only for a short break, then debrief together at the end.
• Observation variant: in groups of three, two people play the conversation while the third observes the energy, interruptions, and how ideas are picked up. Roles can rotate if time allows.