The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

When you want spects to expand on an offer that they’ve made, follow up with an echo question. It invites them to add more detail without making it feel like an interrogation.

To create an echo question, deliver a key word or phrase that they’ve just spoken in the form of a question.

Veena (spect) tells Mark, “I had to give Mom some pills.” Mark echoes, “Pills?” Veena explains, “She’s been in a lot of pain lately.”

If spects are having trouble generating details, you can lead with a multiple-choice question and follow up with an echo question.

Kaden inquires, “Where did you wind up going for your honeymoon, Turkey or China?” The spect makes a choice, “We went to China.” Kaden echoes, “China?” The spect generates more detail, “Yeah, we always wanted to see the Great Wall.”

If you’re not sure what someone is talking about, an echo question is an elegant way to get more information.

Nurse Chai (spect) wraps up her patient report, saying “I even checked the patient’s cap refill.” Needing clarification, Jory echoes, “Cap refill?” Nurse Chai explains, “Yes, his blood flow is fine. The problem must be something else.”

When you need additional information, an echo question is a good way to get it.