Lou's story stands out from most Toastmasters members, who typically join to enhance their public speaking skills. She joined Toastmasters 20 years ago after a personal crisis—her husband of 22 years abruptly left her, profoundly altering her life. 

Feeling embarrassed and lost, she decided to engage in new activities and walked into Toastmasters. Initially hesitant and emotional, she was warmly welcomed by Ingleburn Toastmasters. 

The supportive environment of Toastmasters helped her see life beyond her personal pain and encouraged her to share and grow. The group became like a second family, providing encouragement and support through life's ups and downs. This deep connection and sense of belonging motivated her to remain with Toastmasters for 20 years.

She belongs to six clubs, four in District 70 (Ingleburn, Menai, Stagetime, and Just for Laughs) and two in the US (Jackpot Speakers in Las Vegas and Contest Mastery in Minnesota). She chose the US clubs for their focus on advanced speaking and contest preparation. Toastmasters’ shift to online meetings during COVID allowed her to engage with clubs globally, enhancing her experience.

Competing in contests is a significant part of her journey. She began competing within six months of joining, appreciating the rapid learning and extensive feedback. She has consistently competed, stepping back occasionally to take on different roles, such as being a compere. The supportive nature of the contests, where fellow members help each other, contrasts with typical competitive environments.

Within club meetings, she enjoys roles that allow creativity, such as Table Topics Master. She appreciates the varied, engaging roles in clubs like Stage Time and Jackpot Speakers, which offer opportunities to set meeting themes and recognize member achievements.

Preparation for speeches involves extensive writing, rewriting, and practicing, often using creative methods to maintain genuineness. She values the advice from world champions and finds inspiration from speakers like Mel Robbins, who exemplify authenticity and effective storytelling.

Reflecting on her 20-year journey, she is surprised by the growth and opportunities Toastmasters provided, from emceeing weddings to securing job funding. Staying motivated involves seeking new challenges and mentoring others. She emphasizes the importance of continually pushing oneself and giving back to the community.