East Lyme - More people would rather die or be bitten by a spider, according to some surveys, than talk before a live audience.

The Toastmasters, an international club with local ties, is helping people curb speech anxiety.

Members pay an annual fee to participate in the East Lyme organization, where twice a month they meet to give speeches, critique others and make friends. The purpose of the club is to support every member by helping them become better leaders and listeners and to communicate effectively.

"Everybody, regardless of your job, 100 percent of the time, has to communicate," said Eva Menon of East Lyme, immediate past club president. "We are all salespeople, and we have to be able to communicate. Our job is to help you do it."

At the meeting, Toastmasters take turns playing different roles. Someone times the speeches, for example, while another counts the number of "ahhs" and checks for grammar. A jokemaster and toastmaster lead the meeting.

Members receive two manuals that help guide them through the speeches. When you finish the guides, you receive a "competent communicator" certificate, and you advance to better hone your skills.

The first speech, called the "icebreaker," is four to six minutes.

"We had, at least twice, a person who froze up on the icebreaker," Menon said. "But we still help them to get through it.

"People come in, and it changes their life and their focus. They are able to function in society," Menon said.

Often the speeches created by members have a specific goal, such as a presentation to a Parent Teacher Organization or a Zoning Commission.

Menon joined Toastmasters in 2006, hoping to become an educational speaker. She said she felt comfortable speaking in front of a group, but her first speech was a "wake up call."

"In a four-minute speech, I had 34 'ummms,'" she laughed.

She said Toastmasters has helped her speak more succinctly. She's felt confident with several presentations she's made and has developed lasting friendships.

Members that make up the Toastmasters are from around the area and all different job sets. The Niantic group has nearly 20 members.

Lynnea Mahlke from East Lyme was a founding member. She was past president and area governor, three times. She originally joined to help benefit her side business, which is helping English-language learners. She also co-owns Anytime Fitness.

Mahlke said the small-talk component in the Toastmasters guidebook has been extremely helpful with networking situations.

Toastmasters was chartered in 2005. The annual fee is $66, and there is a one-time $20 fee for new members.

The group is holding an open house Monday at the Niantic Community Church, 170 Pennsylvania Ave. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting starts at 7. For more information, call (860) 739-4977.