Writing Great Dialogue for Skits: Giving Your Characters a Voice That Sticks

When you're creating skits for your YouTube channel or other social media videos, especially ones aimed at kids or families, strong dialogue is the secret ingredient that brings your characters to life. Whether you’re acting out a grumpy grandma, a curious kid, a talking mop, or a know-it-all sandwich: what they say matters just as much as how they say it.

So how do you write lines that pop? Let’s break it down:

1. Give Your Characters a Distinct Personality

Before you even write the first word, know who your character is.

• Are they dramatic? Then every sentence might end in an exclamation!

• Are they shy? They might mumble, hesitate, or repeat themselves.

• Are they super smart? Their words might be full of facts, or they might use big vocabulary (even if they misuse it hilariously!).

  
  

Example: Curious Caleb:  “Wait, wait, wait—why is the moon even out during the day? I thought it had a bedtime like me!”

2. Use Language That Reveals Who They Are

Each line should reveal something about the character’s mood, background, or motivation without telling the audience directly.

Instead of:

“I’m scared of spiders.”

Try:

“Is that… eight legs? Nope! I’m out! Tell my mom I loved her!”

The second version shows fear and adds personality, making it way more fun to act out.

3. Play with Catchphrases and Speech Patterns

Catchphrases or funny habits help young viewers remember your characters. Repetition is gold.

• A confident character might always say, “Boom! Nailed it.”

• A spacey one might trail off mid-thought: “I was going to say something but… ooh, butterflies.”

• A super-sweet, overly polite character might say:"Oh dear! I do apologize, I didn’t mean to bump into your sandwich... would you like mine?"

• A know-it-all character might say:"Actually, from paragraph three of the Galactic Snack Manual, that’s not how you eat a space taco."

• A sarcastic tween character might say:"Oh yay, another group project. Because those always go well."

• A shy but brave character might whisper:"I-I’ll go first... if that’s okay. I mean, someone has to try, right?"

Let those quirks become part of their voice.

4. Act It Out While You Write

Read your dialogue out loud. Or better yet, act it out! Does it feel natural? Does it give you something fun to do with your face or hands? Does it give you room to play?

5. Keep It Simple and Snappy

Kids have short attention spans, so avoid long, wandering lines. Think short sentences, punchy timing, and playful rhythm. Keep in mind the age. One generation’s way of speaking may not be another. Talk to others to see what they’d say in that situation!

Sample Skit Line Rewrite:

Original:

“I am not sure if I really want to go to school today because I think I might be coming down with a little cold and I’m tired.”

Revised:

“School? Today? My tummy sneezed and I yawned—case closed!”

6. Choose Neutral Topics and Kind Language

Remember—your skits live on the internet forever. What seems silly now might not age well later. It’s easy to unintentionally offend someone with a joke or stereotype. Keep your content respectful, inclusive, and positive.

Avoid sensitive subjects, teasing certain groups, or language that could be misunderstood. Instead, focus on universal humor: curiosity, creativity, problem-solving, and everyday silliness.

A good rule of thumb: if a teacher or parent wouldn’t be comfortable with the joke, skip it. Kids deserve to feel safe, seen, and encouraged. Your skits can help do just that!

Whether your skits are silly or serious, dialogue is your chance to let each character shine. Don’t be afraid to play, experiment, and try things that make you laugh. The best lines often come from moments when you're just having fun in character.

Now grab your pen (or mop, or banana costume). Your characters are waiting to talk!

Written by Brianna VanValkenburg