The 2 words are "Yes, and."

Here are 3 reasons why they are valuable for conversers:

a) adding details to what the other person said,

b) asking a question about what they said, such as "Yes, and what else?" or "Yes, and tell me more . . ."

c) gently letting them know you have a different understanding or viewpoint. For example, if you disagree, you can avoid the "but" by saying instead, "Yes,andI have a somewhat different point of view."

The obvious problem with a "Yes, but" response is that the "but" immediatelynegates what the other person just said.

So, when you "get your but out of the way," you'll keep the conversation flowing along.

Loren Ekroth �2012, all rights reserved

Loren Ekroth, Ph.D. is a specialist in human communication anda national expert on conversation for business and social life.

Contact atLoren@conversationmatters.com