To measure the length of the rope, stand on it and hold the handles horizontally as shown on the pictures. The handles should come up to your belly button.
You can then adjust the nylon rope's length by undoing the knot and moving it along.

Before putting your rope away, role it like shown on the pictures to prevent the rope to get bent.

Set yourself little goals to begin with. Once you achieve a goal, go on for a more challenging one. Count the number of jumps you can do in row and then try to beat that record. Keep doing that and you will soon become a pretty good skipper.

Standing straigth and looking ahead
Skipping with the two feet together (Play a short video -380Kb-)

This is a good way to practice coordinating arms and legs. Keep your feet together at all time. Also, try to stay at the same spot.

This is what I consider to be the most effortless way to skip. It is probably how you will begin to skip if you wish to go for an endurance workout. You can use this technique to warm up when you begin a skipping session. You can also use it to catch ip your breath between more demanding techniques. And finally, use it before you stop skipping as a cool down.

Crossing and transferring the rope from one side to the other (Play a short video -540Kb-)
Moving the feet around (Play a short video -537Kb-)
Front cross-over
Skipping on one foot
Running on a spot
Double-Turns (Play a short video -461Kb- or this blooper -369Kb-)