Oral Comm Lab

The Department's oral communication lab is a center that provides individual and small-group instruction. Resources are 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. View our 2023 winners.

Please review the Virtual Oral Comm Lab Appointment Protocol for further information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What types of speaking projects can I bring to the Communication Lab or 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 Communication Lab?
A: No. Lab services are free for Pitt students, staff, and faculty.

Q: Do I need to have an appointment? During the Fall and Spring terms,
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.)

Dr. Mickey Bannon discusses public speaking and the the Oral Communication Lab.