How to Act Out Generational Differences

Learning to communicate can help to overcome negative perceptions of generational differences.

"The Traditional Generation," Baby Boomers," "Generation X" and "Generation Y" are a few of the most commonly used names for the generations extending from the mid 1940s through the year 2000. Each generation has its own ideas, influences and trends. One way to communicate the idea of generational differences is through acting. You can use this type of activity at family reunions, staff development programs, youth events and parties. Generational differences skits often provide humor, insight and material for group discussions.

Things You'll Need

• Props
• Index cards

Instructions

1. Collect props that you can use for the skits. The props should be items that correlate to present and past trends and activities. Examples includes items that display technology such as various types of phones (past and present), clothing from different eras, car keys, video games, pet rocks, Rubik's cubes, mp3 players, older radios, cassettes, vinyl records, eight track tapes and laptops. Also include neutral items (not specific to an era) such as drinking glasses, blocks, baby dolls and sporting equipment.

2. Create scenarios that involve the opinions and viewpoints of various generations. Write brief prompts onto index cards. These prompts should concisely describe a scenario. For example, you might write, "A certain generational group is in charge of the workplace for one day. What might this look like?" Another example would be "A typical day in the family home of a (insert generational group)...."

3. Create index cards that read, "The Traditional Generation - born before 1946; "Baby Boomers" - born between 1946 and 1964;" "Generation X - born between 1965 and 1979;" and "Generation Y - born between 1980 and 2000." Write one generation per card.

4. Divide your group into groups of four to five people. Allow a member of each group to select a scenario card and a generation card. The group must then plan a skit around the prompt from the viewpoint of their generation card. Place all of your props in a centrally accessible area and invite groups to select a few props if necessary.

5. Allow each group to perform their skits for the rest of group. Follow with a group discussion about generational differences if necessary. Discuss commonly held assumptions that pertain to each generation, as well as the group's opinion as to whether these assumptions hold true or not. Discuss ways that generational differences can be a strength, as well as a challenge.

References

• The University of Minnesota - The Research and Training Center on Community Living; Generational Differences in the Workplace; Anick Tolbize; August 16, 2008
• Farleigh Dickinson University Magazine: Mixing and Managing Four Generations of Employees; Greg Hammill; 2005