The University of Southern Mississippi Speaking Center

Visit the Speaking Center Web site at: http://www.usm.edu/speakingcenter

Enhancing the Learning Environment for Improved Speaking Skills

In February 2006, Southern Miss’s QEP established the institution’s and the state’s first Speaking Center.  Centrally located in the University’s main library, the Speaking Center offers personal assistance to students at any stage of the composing process, from generating topics to delivering the presentation.  This includes feedback tailored to oral communication assignments required by instructors across the disciplines, help in developing strategies for improvement, support in managing communication apprehension, and assessment and feedback for the improvement of delivery (eye contact, gestures, body movement, voice, etc.).  In addition, the Speaking Center offers a rehearsal studio with the tools and space to rehearse, video record, observe, and discuss a presentation with a trained peer consultant. 

In Spring 2006, the Speaking Center was coordinated by a doctoral student, Laura Rogers, from the Department of Speech Communication under the supervision of Dr. Charles Tardy, chair of the department, and Dr. Susan M. Ross, a QEP faculty development co-facilitator.  The staff consisted of advanced undergraduate students in the Department of Speech Communication. In June 2007, the Speaking Center moved into a larger space adjacent to its initial location to accommodate growth and increase accessibility for services. 

Under the leadership of the Department of Speech Communication, a national search for the first full-time faculty director of the Speaking Center was conducted during the 2006-2007 year.  Dr. Wendy Atkins-Sayre began duties fall 2007.  In addition to leading the center, Dr. Atkins-Sayre serves as a co-facilitator of the QEP faculty development seminar.

The University of Southern Mississippi began offering Speaking Center services on the Gulf Coast in fall 2007 and celebrated its grand opening in its Gulf Park Library location in February 2008 under the leadership of Dr. Susan M. Ross. For more information about the Gulf Coast Speaking Center, contact Dr. Casey Maugh.