Use the ‘Yes, and?’ Rule

Do you ever use the 'Yes, and?' rule when writing? Maybe you should. Keep reading to learn more, then comment to discuss. And don't forget to check out today’s writing prompt. [Ed. from the Archive.]

The ‘Yes, and?’ rule is a mindset typically used in improv comedy, where performers agree to accept and build on one another’s ideas on the fly, live. It’s when a comedian will agree (say ‘yes’) to whatever one of their counterparts on stage is doing or saying, then add to it (‘and?’) in whatever way they see fit, to keep their improvised skit going.

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