Repeat / Reword / Support
Partner A either repeats, rewords, or supports Partner B's statement before adding their own dialogue.
by Erica MarxGoal
Understand impact of simple listening
Creating scene starts with listening
Instructions
Alex and Beth are doing a scene. Beth can say anything she wants, Alex's dialogue has to follow the director's instructions.
Repeat means Alex literally repeats Beth's dialogue. ("I'd like a Pepsi," she might say, "I'd like a Pepsi," Alex says.)
Reword means Alex takes what Beth said but finds another way to say it. ("I'd like a Pepsi," she might say, "You want a refreshing soft drink" he might respond.)
Support means Alex takes what Beth says and makes it correct and provides reasons why. ("I'd like a Pepsi," she might say, "Of course you want a Pepsi, after all a Pepsi is America's number one carbonated beverage," Alex might say.)
The director can switch up which one Alex does during the scene. Repeating and Rewording helps us pay attention to what our scene partner says, Support helps us add to it more directly.
Background
Author
I help teams connect, collaborate, and perform at their best in both virtual and in-person environments. As an executive and leadership coach, I design highly engaging experiences where people can think together, navigate challenges, and strengthen the way they work. With a background in leadership coaching, facilitation, and applied improvisation, I create interactive retreats, conferences, and networking events that energize participants and create lasting impact. My work creates the conditions for psychological safety, honest communication, and deep collaboration, allowing teams to build trust, navigate challenges, and achieve meaningful results together. I am deeply committed to mission-driven organizations. As a board member of the International Applied Improvisation Network, I partner with nonprofit and social justice leaders to help their teams thrive in fast-changing environments.
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