CEO for the day: A role-play activity for teaching communication apprehension in communication courses

Extending student involvement theory and interaction involvement, the “CEO of the Day” activity is designed to help students manage communication apprehension by providing them with a safe environment to practice their communication skills in realistic business scenarios. The activity invites students to assume the identity of the chief executive officer (CEO) of a globally recognized company. By communicating through a professional persona rather than as themselves, students leverage a proven psychological distancing technique to reduce personal anxiety while engaging authentically with each communication apprehension type. The activity proceeds through four sequential tasks that isolate and address each apprehension category, culminating in a reflective debrief.Courses Communication in Business and the Professions; Public Speaking and Presentations; Teamwork and Collaboration; Communication and the Workplace.Objectives Upon completing the activity, students will be able to identify the sources of their communication apprehension, determine which forms pose the greatest personal challenge, and apply the communication strategies practiced in class to professional settings.