The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

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showing how something is done so spects can do it themselves

Spects play in foreign worlds yet they’re expected to behave as natives. Modeling allows spects to see how things are done so they can do those things themselves.

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The more you talk, the less spects contribute. Allow room for others to speak. Say one sentence, maybe two, then be quiet. See what the spect has to say, and respond to that. This tool gets spects verbally activated and produces good give and take. It also keeps you from talking too much.

Exercises

Player B makes an offer. Player A responds with a single sentence, then waits for Player B to respond to that. This pattern continues through the whole scene.

Topics
giving excessive positive reinforcement

It’s good to reward spects with strokes when they exhibit desired behaviors, but beware of over-stroking. When strokes are too big, they feel fake. Keep strokes real and genuine or spects will feel like you’re patronizing them.

Topics
gradually increasing challenges to increase spect confidence and investment

When spects start to play, they’re often nervous. They’re worried that others will judge them and don’t want to look stupid. You can help spects overcome their fears through ramping.

Exercises

Observe a group of preschool or elementary school children at play. Identify the ways that different children enjoy playing.

Topics
activating the spect with a need and a tool

The reverse scalpel is a way to get spects to do something without instructing them. It involves three components.

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getting a spect to hand you an object without telling them to do so

In medical dramas, there’s a classic scene in which a surgeon is about to operate. He holds out his hand, says “Scalpel,” and a nurse gives him a scalpel. This same approach can be used to get spects physically activated. It’s called, appropriately enough, the scalpel.

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Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance