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 lead a team that helps multi-stakeholder groups tackle high-stakes, complex work with clarity and connection. We design and guide strategic planning sessions, workshops, retreats, and conferences where people think well together, make sound decisions, and take coordinated action. Our team is trained in improvisational theater, and as active members of the International Applied Improvisation Network, we bring adaptable, creative methods that build trust, surface essential perspectives, and keep momentum strong. We also share what we know, offering facilitator training that blends inclusive process design with the flexibility and presence of improv.
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