Yes! And... ~ Notes on Progression ~

The well known improvisational comedy principle "Yes, and" is an incredibly powerful tool for positive progression in conversational settings.

Its structure is simple, and is as follows:

1. To agree to what has been said.
2. To add something to what was said.
   

For example:



This also works for potentially hurtful responses i.e.

"You're old"

"Yes, and I'm currently exhibiting at the Maritime Museum... have you seen The Little Mermaid?"

Or for negative ones, by reframing their negative into a positive, more useful message:

"The whole world is corrupt, everyone's dying"
"That's really cool that you notice what's going on in the world, it shows me you want to make a difference"

Yes, and... (it's like this...)

~ Positive Affirmation + Positive Reframe ~

(+) + (+ ~) = :D

Examples:

"I'm gonna fucking kill you"

"Wow, you have confidence - I respect that"

... or (in context of protection)

"That's cool you look after your friends like this. People like you seem to be a rarity these days"

"I'm so fat and ugly, no one will ever invite me to the dance"

"I like (+) how you actually care how others feel (+ ~). That also shows me you take pride in your appearance and want to improve yourself."