How long have you been a member of Toastmasters? I joined in December 2019.
Why did you first join Toastmaster? I joined Toastmasters to take my public speaking to the next level. As an adventurer and confidence builder, I often give presentations that motivate and encourage others to reach their goals. Toastmasters allows me an opportunity to hone my craft so that I may inspire others to be their very best.
What is your favorite part about our Pace Setters Club? The Pace Setters club is described as welcoming and supportive – two qualities that I absolutely LOVE about this club. We have members from all over Canada and the world who call Pace Setters their Toastmasters home. Not only do we have several long term members that mentor and support our new club members, but all members are encouraged to help and support wherever and however they can. It is up to each and every club member to support our members and help them reach their goals. Recently, I was asked to mentor one of our very dynamic club members. This is an immense honour and a task that I take very seriously. I did not realize that mentoring was a part of Toastmasters, but it is a privilege to help others grow and achieve their goals.
What have you learned/gained from being a part of Toastmasters? Already, I have gained many friendships. The Pace Setters are very friendly and not shy about getting to know each other. More importantly, though, I have been humbled by the level of dedication and hard work that our members put into Toastmasters and to make our club successful. I am so excited to be working with this year’s dedicated and enthusiastic Executive Team. I am inspired daily to do my best for the Executive Team and for the overall Pace Setters club.
Outside of Toastmasters, how do you spend your time? As an adventurer, I spend my days planning as many trips to the mountains as possible. In the summer, you will find me cycling, paddling, hiking, backpacking, scrambling, and mountaineering. In the winter, I cross-country, downhill, and back-country ski, which is also known as alpine touring. I write about these adventures in my blog (https://alisendopf.com/mountain-adventures/) as well as give Adventure Presentations to groups. I am frequently called upon to teach my Introduction to Hiking course, and I routinely take groups into the backcountry. My focus is always on helping people learn valuable skills so they can be safe in the back-country. When I’m not adventuring, I am a mom of twin girls. My husband and I also run a commercial property management business. My husband and kids are always up for whatever crazy Mom Adventure I can dream up!
What would you tell someone who’s interested in Toastmasters? Do it. And do it now! I considered joining Toastmasters over five years ago, and I kept putting it off. My speaking skills have improved so much over the past 6 months, I wonder where I would be if I had started way back when. Toastmasters is a safe place to learn and grow – whatever that looks like for you, and whatever goals you may have.
Email me at Alisen Dopf