The Department of Communication is dedicated to cultivating strong public speaking skills and knowledge among its students. Through well-designed programs and committed faculty, the department provides a training ground where students refine their ability to articulate ideas and gain an understanding of the art of public discourse. The emphasis on public speaking is aimed at empowering individuals to communicate persuasively and fostering leadership qualities that extend beyond the classroom.
The Department's Oral Comm Lab is a center that provides individual and small-group instruction. Resources available for all forms of public speaking and oral communication include:
The Lab hosts an annual oratory competition that acknowledges and rewards undergraduate students' outstanding speaking skills.
Protocol for in-person appointments with Oral Comm Lab Coaches
- Send email to speaklab@pitt.edu requesting an in-person appointment
- Please allow 24 hours notice to schedule a coach
- Include several convenient days and times that you are available
- You will receive a response confirming your appointment day, time, and location whether it is an in-person appointment or via Zoom
- Appointments are generally for one-half an hour and often scheduled back-to-back so if you arrive at the Lab (14th Floor Cathedral of Learning - Room 1415), please wait until your appointment time before knocking as another appointment may be in session. Appointments are conducted as confidential events.
- A confirmation blue slip will be provided on completion for students to present to their instructors as proof of attendance. If you give your coach the name and email address of your instructor and request this additional confirmation, the coach will send an email.
Protocol for ZOOM appointments with Oral Comm Lab Coaches
- Send email to speaklab@pitt.edu requesting a ZOOM appointment
- Please allow 24 hours notice to schedule a coach
- Include several convenient days and times that you are available
- You will receive a response confirming your appointment day and time
- Assigned coach will email to student a ZOOM link, which coach will arrange
- At the designated time, student will enter meeting by clicking on link and logging in with Pitt username and password (access only through Pitt portal)
- Coach and student will conduct a remote half-hour session
- If you give your coach the name and email address of your instructor, the coach will send confirmation that you attended the coaching session.
Spring, 2024 Oral Communication Lab Coaches Availability Schedule
Appointments can be in-person (1415 CL) or via Zoom
- Monday: 9:00 am to 6:30 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Wednesday: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am to 10:30 am; 12:30 pm to 6:00 pm
- Friday: 10:00 am to noon; 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of speaking projects can I bring to the Comm Lab for personal consultation and instruction?
A: Any kind of speaking project, at any stage of development. This can include speeches, discussions, focus groups, research presentations, interviews, and press conferences, and others appropriate for lab work.
Q: Why do people contact the lab?
A: Reasons may include:
- individual help in choosing speech topics, organizing presentations, analyzing audience needs, and practicing delivery skills
- help controlling speech anxiety
- develop discussion and group presentation skills
- rehearse speeches or presentations with individual, one-to-one feedback
- arrange in-class workshops
Q: Is there a fee to use the Comm Lab?
A: No. Lab services are free for Pitt students, staff, and faculty.
Q: Do I need to have an appointment?
A: Yes. Schedule via email at speaklab@pitt.edu. Appointments are available Monday through Friday throughout the Fall and Spring terms. (There are no lab hours during the Summer Term.)