Remember that old trick to overcome nervousness before speaking in public? The one about imagining your audience in their underwear? Didn't work for you either, did it?

For most of us, briefing a small influential group or presenting before a large audience, creates at least some level of discomfort (sometimes even downright fear) of embarrassing ourselves or the organizations we represent.

For employees who work at CFPSA headquarters, the solution is just a clink of a wineglass away. Confronting their fears head-on, a group of CFPSA employees together other professionals who work in downtown Ottawa have turned to Toastmasters - an international organization synonymous with good speech - as a way of developing their skills as good public speakers. Every Tuesday, the local chapter meets for lunch to sharpen their skills by giving presentations and share their tips and techniques on public speaking.

Bob Simpson, CFPSA's Administrative Manager, has seen some incredible transformations. "There was one member of Toastmasters District 61, who went from stuttering and stammering to being a capable public speaker confident enough to win local speech competitions."

Toastmasters International is a multi-club organisation with a mandate to help people become better, more convincing speakers. According to Simpson, you learn techniques that help you relax, plan and present speeches even when the text is provided just moments beforehand.

"Toastmasters gives you the opportunity to master the basic fundamentals of good speaking," says Simpson, "Feedback from your fellow club members helps you to analyse your performance and to improve more quickly."

You never know when the skills you learn at Toastmasters may be those that help you get that new job, or you may just make new friends. If you need these skills and would like a little help, there is always a Toastmasters club nearby that is willing and able to help.

Additional information on Toastmasters International can be found at www.toastmasters.org