The Southern Miss Speaking Centers were designed to improve oral communication skills across the campus. As part of the University's Quality Enhancement Plan, the centers are available for all students, faculty and staff.

At our 2009 Staff Development day, the staff from both centers came together and created the following mission statement:

The purpose of the Speaking Center is to provide an atmosphere which fosters critical thinking, allowing individuals to confidently create their own effective presentations.  We will fulfill this mission by clearly identifying specific needs and addressing content and delivery by reinforcing the principles of oral communication.

The Hattiesburg campus center opened in February of 2006. We are located in the heart of Cook Library, just past Starbucks and the Writing Center. You can find us in Cook 117.

The Gulf Coast campus Speaking Center opened in the fall of 2007 and moved into its new location (Gulf Park Library, Suite 107) in February 2008.