Improving professional conversation skills through adapted improvisational techniques and AI chatbots

This article introduces an instructional unit that adapts improvisational techniques to enhance students’ professional conversation skills through interactions with customized AI-powered chatbots. Useful for communication courses that emphasize professional skill-building, the unit scaffolds impression management, listening, turn-taking, and professional self-presentation.Courses Small-group, business, project management, professional, and organizational communication.Objectives This unit aims to reduce communication apprehension, foster adaptability, and improve students’ ability to articulate a professional identity in interviews and networking contexts.