Continuous Education : Journal of Science and Research
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2026)

Embodying the Other, Preparing the Self: Impersonation Technique as Simulation-Based Pedagogy for Communicative Skill Development and Workforce Readiness

Herditya Wahyu Widodo (Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia)
Mochamad Nasrul Chotib (Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia)
Kukuh Prayitno Subagyo (Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia)
M Misbahul Amri (Universitas Negeri Malang, Indonesia)
Suhono Suhono (Universitas Ma’arif Lampung, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
12 Aug 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the use of impersonation technique to enhance ten communicative skills essential for workforce readiness: active listening, confidence, appropriate method selection, tone and volume control, empathy, friendliness, respect, feedback-sharing, non-verbal cue interpretation, and responsiveness. Employing a mixed methods design within a four-day intensive workshop, quantitative data were collected from 77 performer-participants (actors, actresses, directors) via structured questionnaires, while qualitative insights were obtained through an interview with an expert drama practitioner. The findings revealed that 92.72% of respondents reported experiencing the target skills during the preparation and performance phases, and 95.58% perceived these skills as beneficial for their future careers. Notably, a gap emerged between the experience (87%) and perceived utility (94.8%) of non-verbal cues and responsiveness, interpreted through the lens of tacit knowledge-learners enacted these skills without full conscious awareness. The expert interview further illuminated the phase-specific nature of skill development, identifying respect and feedback-sharing as dominant during collaborative preparation, confidence and non-verbal reading as prominent on stage, and vocal modulation and active listening as operating across both phases. The study concludes that impersonation technique functions as a form of simulation-based and transformative learning, cultivating regulative skills during preparation and expressive skills during performance. This positions impersonation as a promising and adaptable pedagogy for bridging the soft skills gap in higher education, though longitudinal research on actual skill transfer to workplace contexts remains a priority for future investigation.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

josr

Publisher

Subject

Education Other

Description

Continuous Education Journal of Science and Research invites lecturers, scholars, researchers, and students to contribute the results of their studies and research in fields related to education, which include textual and field studies with various perspectives, Educational Management, Educational ...