If the first step in our interaction process is to establish joint attention and become the very present and highly skilled observer, the second step needs to be affirmation. Simply put, when our partner is speaking (in whatever voice they use), we respond by answering in that same voice.  By answering, we are offering affirmation that we have heard and are listening to what they have to share with us. This acknowledgment helps provide a sense of self, a sense of value and a place in the world.  It lets us, as humans,  know that what we say matters and is important to others.   

We offer the word affirm because it doesn’t denote judgment. “Affirm” simply says; “I hear you and I am listening”. As we are affirming, we are not necessarily trying to interpret the meaning of the message. Instead, we are letting our partner know that we are available for discovery and further dialogue. We are signaling that we are available to enter into the back and forth, serve and return, of a rich conversation. 

As this video begins we see the student, Devondrick, and his teacher, Johanna, at his calendar. Johanna’s plan had been to discuss making hot chocolate. However, Devondrick has a topic he wants to share, namely popping cheeks. Johanna sets aside her agenda and affirms the Devondrick’s interest in popping each other’s cheeks; she follows his lead, rather than immediately pursuing the scheduled activity.  Being the expert observer, Johanna notices that Devondrick has a topic that he wants to discuss. She follows his lead without trying to immediately interpret if it is a question, request, or comment. By allowing the conversation to go where it might, a rich discussion happens with a lot of joy and emotion.  

This short clip might be thought of as a “lead-in” to the larger conversation/topic/agenda item of making hot chocolate. Lead-ins are a common and natural part of how we humans interact. They are part of our greeting ritual. A conversation partner is more apt to be interested in our topic if we have first shown interest and focused on their topic.  For example, if your topic is football and mine is cooking, you will be more interested in hearing me tell you about my latest favorite recipe if you’ve told me about yesterday’s football game first.  This is just one of our social rituals that help us bond and establish trust.