The Toastmaster's Experience
EP 72 - Monique Tonna: From Finding Her Voice to International Leadership
In this episode of The Toastmasters Experience , Evelyn speaks with Monique Tonna, DTM , whose Toastmasters journey has taken her from a nervous young professional struggling to speak confidently to serving as International Director for Region 12 . Monique joined Toastmasters in 2011 after discovering that, despite knowing what she wanted to say, communicating confidently and succinctly was a challenge. What began as a desire to improve her public speaking gradually opened the door to leadership, culminating in her serving on the Toastmasters International Board and helping make strategic decisions affecting members around the world. Monique also shares one of the most meaningful chapters of her Toastmasters journey — helping introduce a Toastmasters program within Corrective Services . What began as a Speechcraft program grew into an ongoing initiative, providing participants with opportunities to develop their communication, confidence and leadership skills. Monique shares a memorable story of one participant who initially seemed disengaged, but later returned, embraced the program and eventually became a club president and passionate advocate for Toastmasters. Throughout the conversation, Monique reflects on patience, confidence, lifelong learning and the welcoming Toastmasters community she has experienced throughout her journey. She also discusses the importance of adapting Toastmasters to different environments and the transferable skills it provides both personally and professionally. Her advice to anyone considering Toastmasters is refreshingly simple: just do it — walk through the door.
