Method

This is a scene work exercise for pairs.

Level 1

One person starts the scene with any first line they can think of...

From then on, every line starts with

What you just said is important to me because...

Level 2

Same but the "What you just said..." line becomes an internal monologue rather than an explicitly said line.

Teaching notes

This exercise produces scenes that are very slow, patient and quiet. It shows the power of silence (especially level 2).

It illustrates how a character's POV can change and evolve as a scene continues. But only if you really listen to the other person.

"To really listen means to do so with the possibility that your mind will be changed."

Del Close also said "Listen like a thief"