This paper introduces the subject of communication apprehension and presents five group-based exercises for the basic public speaking course. The paper notes that communication apprehension can affect people's personal and occupational lives, and that visualization, skills training, and systematic desensitization are methods that can help control communication apprehension. The first exercise in the paper uses the Personal Report of Communication Apprehension to give students the opportunity to assess their own levels of communication apprehension. The purpose of the second exercise in the paper is to increase students' awareness of the importance of introductions and conclusions to the overall effectiveness of a speech. The third exercise in the paper provides students with a practical way to do a "mini" audience analysis using magazine advertisements. The purpose of the fourth exercise is to increase students' awareness of ethical issues in public speaking and the public speaking classroom. The fifth exercise in the paper celebrates diversity and promotes knowledge of other cultures, ethnicities, languages, and religions. Contains three references. (RS)