Abstract: A method for operating a computer to teach a student communication skills. First a goal is displayed to the student. Then the student is presented with a prompting scene that is related to the goal that was presented to him. In the prompting scene there is a first character that represents the student. Also, there is at least one second character that represents at least one person to whom the student needs to communicate. Also displayed is a plurality of sentences the student may select. At least one of the sentences will help the student achieve his goal and at least one of the sentences will not help the student achieve his goal. The student's selection is then received. The student is then presented with a response scene. The response scene is positive if the student's selection from the plurality of sentences is such that it will help the student achieve his goal.