The University of Southern Mississippi Speaking Center

Visit the new 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.

Since its opening, the Speaking Center has recorded nearly 300 student visits and shown a continuous increase in usage. 

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.

Preparations are being made for the Gulf Coast Speaking Center to open its doors during the fall 2007 semester under the leadership of Dr. Susan M. Ross.  The Gulf Coast Speaking Center will initially be housed at the Gulf Coast Student Service.  Plans are being made for it to be housed at the Gulf Park Library in 2008.