He Said, She Said

Quick Description

He Said She Said is a two-player game where one player speaks the dialogue and the other invents the physical action, resulting in playful surprises and unexpected behavior.

How to Play

1. Two Players Step In
   Choose two players to begin the scene. Each player is responsible for their own dialogue, but their partner controls their physical actions.
2. Start with Dialogue
   Player 1 begins the scene by saying a line of dialogue. For example:
   “Hey there, Jim.”
3. Add the Action
   Player 2 immediately follows with a narration that starts with “He said,” “She said,” or “They said,” and describes the physical action Player 1 should now do. For example:
   “He said, snapping his fingers and pointing them like finger guns.”
4. Act It Out
   Player 1 then performs the action exactly as described, even if it’s strange, exaggerated, or surprising.
5. Switch Roles
   Now Player 2 says their line of dialogue:
   “Right back at you, Sam.”
   Player 1 follows with:
   “He said, grinning wildly and nodding three times.”
6. Continue the Scene
   Players continue alternating dialogue and action in this way, building the scene moment by moment. Each new action is provided by the other player, creating a constant cycle of surprise and collaboration.
7. End Naturally
   The scene can come to a close when it reaches a natural or satisfying stopping point—either emotionally, comedically, or narratively.

Notes

• This game often confuses adults at first! Take time to rehearse the structure slowly before expecting full scenes.
• Focus on clarity: leave a distinct pause between the line of dialogue and the accompanying action.
• Encourage bold physical choices, especially when they contrast with the tone of the dialogue—it heightens the fun.
• This game sharpens players’ listening, timing, and awareness of narrative rhythm.
• This game captures the shared control that is at the core of improvisation.

Variations

• Separate jobs:  One player provides the dialogue for both players (similar to dubbing) and the other player provides the action for both players.

Origin

I learned this He Said She Said from Keith Johnstone, one of the pioneers of modern improvisation. He emphasized that while the format may seem tricky at first—especially for adults—it unlocks a world of spontaneous physical comedy and deepens player connection.

Get the Playbook so you have hundreds of games in your pocket when you need them.