The Encyclopedia of Interactive Performance

A yes/no question gets you one of two answers—”yes” or “no.” Although the responses are limited, there are several ways that a yes/no question can be useful.

Going deeper – If spects are hesitant to contribute, try asking a yes/no question. These are easy to answer because they don’t require much invention. Once the question has been answered, go deeper with an open-ended question. When spects have made an initial response, it’s easier for them to generate supporting information.

Lizbeth has been shy about talking at her high school reunion, so Ralph asks, “Do you still write poetry?” “No.” “But you were really good. What happened?” Lizbeth sighs. “Poetry wasn’t going to pay the bills.”

Establishing backstory – You can establish backstory by asking spects if they’ve heard about a past event. The most common answer is no, which opens the door for you to share what happened. If the answer is yes, you can still deliver the information by offering your perspective on what happened. Either way, you have an excuse to establish the backstory.

Jax and Dillon are taking a cigarette break out on the loading dock. “Did you hear what happened with management?” Dillon nods. “Sure did.” Jax flicks the ashes of his cigarette in disgust. “I can’t believe they’re cutting our hours again.”

Creating conflict – Yes/no questions can be used to set the spect up as being secretive or uncommunicative.

Erik is reading a newspaper as Abigail enters. Erick asks, “Did you have a good time at the opera?” Abigail replies, “Yes.” Erik sets his paper aside. “Just ‘yes?’ Why won’t you talk to me anymore?”

Backleading a response – There’s a way to increase the odds of getting a desired response to a yes/no question. Nod or shake your head as you ask the question. Subliminally express the response you want the spect to give. Keep the head movement subtle, or it will look like you’re imposing an answer. This method isn’t foolproof, but it increases the odds that you’ll get the response you want.

Reading spects’ desires – When spects ask a yes/no question, the answer they want is usually yes. This is understandable when a positive answer results in something good. Interestingly, it also applies to undesirable outcomes. Sometimes spects are asking permission for things to be “bad.”

The spect, Erika, is dining out with her husband, Ethan. Out of the blue, she asks, “Are you seeing another woman?” Ethan sets down his fork, looks Erika in the eyes. “Yes. I am.”

When answering a yes/no question, you heighten the impact by delivering the answer directly. Let explanations and justifications come after.

A yes/no question elicits only two responses, but you can use it to accomplish much more.