There are those who thrive on giving huge speeches in front of hundreds of people - and there are those who would rather curl into a ball and stay in bed with all the doors locked than make a presentation, no matter how small the audience.
"Some people would rather die than speak in public," said Will LaVigne, a founder and charter member of a brand new branch of Toastmasters in Squamish.
LaVigne, who has only lived in Squamish since April, decided to start a Toastmasters club through the District of Squamish and Toastmasters International.
"I just saw what it brings to the community," he said. "It helps people improve their communication skills."
He had participated in Toastmasters in Vancouver, and formed a club in Nelson when he moved there in 1994.
"It helped me so much I'm able to organize clubs," LaVigne said.
Toastmasters is designed to give people speech-making skills, and to make them more comfortable with the skills they may already have.
LaVigne said he has more confidence speaking, and doesn't get as nervous when he has to lead groups, training sessions or meetings in relation to his job.
"I go in with confidence," he said. "I can talk to everyone pretty well."
Toastmasters has 10 manuals that encompass new skills. The first manual teaches how to do an icebreaker speech, and there are also manuals on learning how to give a speech using humour or drama, and how to make speeches emphasizing your point - in other words, how to give a sales pitch. Positive feedback is given about the speeches too.
Toastmasters is about talking, but there is no pressure to become next great orator.
"Nobody is forced to talk. It's a very friendly environment," LaVigne said.
One of the reasons LaVigne likes the club is it is organized.
"I think it's one of the few places where I went to a meeting that started on time and ended on time," he said.
"It's very structured. It helps people with their listening and speaking skill."
Toastmasters gives transferable skills, like learning to know the audience and what is appropriate for that audience. It also works on speech delivery, and making a good impression.
"You take it everywhere. It's good on a resume," LaVigne said.
Toastmasters isn't just about speaking. It's about listening too. As a courtesy, the audience, made up of fellow Toastmasters, has to listen to everyone's speeches without interrupting.
"If you do that once a week it starts effecting your life," LaVigne said.
The club in Squamish will meet for the first time on Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. The meeting will be at the Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Co., and will establish when people want to have club meetings. LaVigne said he hopes to have 40 people join the group.
For more information call LaVigne at 604-892-1515.
