I find "Yes and"---in the general sense of affirming and adding---to be preferable to active listening, so it might work as a good conversation tool.

The difference is that while active listening is supposed to be about repeating and reflecting, most people don't get past the repeating part, so it gets annoying. Yes-anding both quickly affirms that you heard what the other person said and provides either a connection to new topic or further insight. This is enough to show that you are listening, and leads to more interesting conversation. This is mainly from observing others converse lately, and it seems the 'yes ander' gets the best response and makes others most comfortable.