"Application Performance," a supplemental drill in the Japanese language program at Oregon State University, is described as a way to develop students' communicative competence. The approach is a type of role play, with pairs of students preparing a dialogue according to a situation provided by the instructor and then performed in class. Situations are designed so that students can utilize newly learned grammar and expressions, and drafts of dialogues are checked by the instructor prior to the performance. Application Performance offers students the opportunity to act out Japanese business scenarios and the Japanese way of communication in varying situations. During the process of preparing for an application performance drill, students learn aspects of Japanese culture such as cooperation, teamwork, and consensus building. Details on the Oregon State University methodology are provided, including preparation, performance, grading and feedback, advantages for both students and instructors, disadvantages, and implementation. Contains 3 references. (LB)