Sketch Writing and the Art of Better Communication

There’s a difference between knowing how to write and knowing how to connect. One puts words on the page; the other sparks an emotional response. When I enrolled in The Second City Training Center to learn sketch writing, I thought it would be a fun creative outlet. What I didn’t realize was how deeply it would change the way I approach not just writing but communication in general.

Sketch writing is a crash course in clarity, precision, and impact. In a sketch, every word counts. Every line of dialogue needs to drive the story forward, reveal something about the characters, or set up the next laugh. There is no room for fluff. That discipline taught me to think critically about what I wanted to say and how to say it as efficiently as possible.

One of the first lessons I learned was how to recognize and build on the “game” of a scene. The game is the central comedic idea or pattern that drives the story. It could be a character’s over-the-top reaction to minor inconveniences or a group dynamic that spirals out of control. Identifying that core idea and sticking to it keeps the writing focused and engaging.

This approach works beyond comedy. Whether you’re writing a blog post, pitching an idea, or leading a team meeting, the ability to hone in on the central message is invaluable. What is the one thing you want your audience to take away? Stay laser-focused on that, and you’ll have their attention.

Another critical skill from sketch writing is collaboration. Writing for The Second City isn’t a solitary endeavor. It’s a group sport where ideas are tossed around, tested, and often thrown out. That process forces you to let go of your ego and focus on what serves the work. You learn to listen, adapt, and build on other people’s ideas.

In any kind of writing, or communication for that matter, that collaborative mindset is a game-changer. Whether you’re writing an email to a client or developing a marketing campaign, being open to feedback and willing to iterate is what separates good work from great work.

Improvisation, which is foundational to The Second City’s process, also shaped my approach to communication. The principle of “Yes, and…” teaches you to accept what’s given to you and build on it. In writing, this means embracing unexpected ideas and seeing where they lead. In conversations, it means actively listening and responding in a way that moves the discussion forward.

Ultimately, sketch writing taught me that the best communication is a combination of structure and spontaneity. You need the structure to organize your thoughts and the spontaneity to adapt to the moment. Whether you’re writing a sketch, a business proposal, or simply making a point in a meeting, those principles hold true.

The Second City Training Center gave me more than just writing skills. It sharpened my ability to think critically, collaborate effectively, and communicate with impact. It turns out those sketches had lessons that extend far beyond the stage.