improvnonsense:

I see two common but contradictory problems with new groups:

1) They don’t react at all to anything, they’re just looking at each other or maybe not even looking at each other.

Improviser 1: When we hold up the bank, grab the gun with your feet.
Improviser 2: (nothing for a long time) Okay.

2)…

I also like “Yes and Reflect Back” the weird part:

Improvisor 1: When we hold up the bank, grab the gun with your feet.
Improvisor 2: Got it. Grab it with my feet.

Sometimes in this situation, improvisor 1 will have an idea that they haven’t yet fully explained. Or they didn’t realize they said anything strange. By reflecting back the weird part without trying to add to it, you give the first improvisor a chance to get out what they meant. It also clarifies that there is something there to figure out. And it also buys you a little time since you probably will need to add something on your next line.