CY 101: Skit (“Getting Skittish”)

One of the best ways to communicate or instruct about a topic or idea is to act out the story that you’re trying to get across. This is a great power tool for communication, as well as using creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork.

Skits can be incorporated into trainings, meetings, after school programs, etc. They can be the warm up, a team builder, an inclusivity training, to emphasize the story being told or the subject at hand.

The writing and practice of the skit makes the participants think clearly about the information they’re presenting to the audience and how best to communicate their point to the viewers. The best skits are both creative and informative.

The Idealist Handbook’s 8 Elements to Successful Skits:

1. Keep it Simple: Brainstorm just one theme and stick with it, rather than being overly complex.
2. Give ‘em a hook!: Grab and hold the audience’s attention with a key line or repetitive action that will drive home your skit’s theme.
3. Don’t be a facts machine: Only incorporate the most important info. Leave out the unnecessary stats.
4. Keep your head in the crowds: Know your audience and tailor the performance to the needs of group.
5. Act simple: Overacting can drain the attention away from the skit’s story, lessening its impact on the audience.
6. May I see your dramatic license, please?: Get creative with the simple elements you have available to you: gestures and props can set the scene for the audience.
7. Glean for lean scenes: Once you get the basics of your skit down, keep them basic. Cut what you don’t need and the audience will appreciate the brevity.
8. It takes a village…to write a skit: Skits are as much about teamwork as teaching a lesson, so make sure everyone’s input is heard.