by: David Suarez

In life we are often confronted with situations where we are not in agreement with others' statements or questions.  It could be a co-worker asking for a favor when you have a tight deadline, a subordinate asking for a day off when they have been chronically late, or a supervisor asking for the impossible.  Often the response to these questions or statements may be "no", or a begrudging, soul-draining, save-my-job/not-look-bad/be-a-team-player "yes".  But it doesn't have to be that way.  There is a solution!

 

In improvisation, actors are continually confronted with scenarios, where a natural response would be to say the word "no".  However, to say "no" in improvisation is counterproductive to the actors' objectives, and ultimately to agreement and the scene they are playing, as it stops progress.  To combat this problem, improvisation employs the use of the phrase "yes and" to replace "no".

 

"Yes and" gives one the ability to agree to the unagreeable, while changing the terms or adding information or conditions that makes the response genuine, yet acceptable.  "Yes and" allows for instant negotiation, and for the addressing of concerns through taking both sides into account, while creating a "win-win" situation.

 

So the next time you want to say "no" try saying "yes and".

 

To find out more on how Interactive's Corporate Training services can help you: CLICK HERE!

Interactive Training Solutions has secured an off-site venue for training, team building, coaching and seminars at the Just The Funny Theater, located at 3119 Coral Way (just 6 blocks East of Miracle Mile) in Miami, Florida.  The Just The Funny Theater offers professional lighting and sound with a spacious stage area, perfect for training sessions and seminars.

 

If your organization is looking for a dynamic and unique training, team building or coaching session in a exciting and memorable venue, Interactive Training Solutions at the Just The Funny Theater is your best choice!  The theater is conveniently located in the center of Miami-Dade county, close to Downtown, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Doral and South Miami.

To find out more about Corporate Training, Team Building and Executive Coaching: CLICK HERE.