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The core of improv is based on the theory of “Yes, and”, which means if anyone offers you anything: an object, a proposition, a gesture, etc, you should accept it, and offer something of your own. The opposite of “Yes, and” is “Yes, but” or “No”.

Saying No is a powerful tool, but it sometimes can make collaboration difficult. The real power of “Yes, and” is directing things in your favor while avoiding negative outcomes.The power of “Yes, and” in a collaborative environment works like this: It’s much easier to redirect something, rather than block it all together.

Here are two examples:

1. Getting people on your side rather than pushing them away.
2. Using mistakes and accidents to your advantage.

I had a meeting recently with a writer, and I didn’t agree with the way he was presenting a character in his story. Rather than rejecting his character, I accepted it, and added onto it. Once I had added something he agreed with, it was easier to talk about how to work with the new idea. Had I just disagreed with him outright, the conversation would have been about whose idea was better, rather than which idea we can improve on.

If you run into a mistake or an accident, you can be ready for anything that comes your way. If an accident or something unexpected comes along, you can move with the mistake rather than letting it push you off track. Sometimes, great things come from great mistakes.

Remember: When you can’t move forward, redirect.

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