Building Bridges Around the Globe

Hello LinkedIn! Welcome to my newsletter, Al Mejia Speaks.

My goal is to inspire you to open your life and heart to those who are different. Building bridges takes a lot more courage than building walls. Please accept my invitation to learn more @ "Alvaro Mejia Inclusiveness"

Vacationing in the Caribbean, surrounded by pale blue waters and swaying palm trees is good for the soul. As a member of the worldwide organization Toastmasters International, I was invited to attend the 2023 Convention in the Bahamas.

I would like to summarize my trip with my top 3 favorite moments.

1. World Champions of Public Speaking Roundtable

World Champions of Public Speaking Romana J. Smith (2018), Verity Price (2021), Darrin LaCroix (2001), and Marc Brown (1995), shared their wisdom on speech writing, preparation, storytelling, and delivery. This expert panel spoke on common communication obstacles and how to push past limiting beliefs. Below is my picture with Verity Price.

2. President's Conference

Toastmasters International Presidents have demonstrated leadership, promoting effective communication and public speaking skills worldwide. Responsible for organizational growth, strategic initiatives, and the development of confident communicators and leaders within the Toastmasters community, meeting and talking with several past presidents who have left a lasting impact on the organization's global reach has been inspiring. Below is my picture with 2019-2020 past president Deepak Menon.

3. The International Speech Contest

It was a true Bahamian delight to watch the Toastmasters International Speech Contest. 28 of the best speakers in the world arrived to compete for the top 8 spaces with only one reaching the coveted World Champion title. Watch Jocelyn Tyson's winning speech below.

My Story Shared on Digital Journal's PR News:

Alvaro Mejia tells audiences teenage suicide prevention starts at the kitchen table

The penultimate rule of raising children is to listen. Alvaro Mejia should know. He didn't listen and almost lost his son to suicide.?

The bond between parents and children is nurtured at the kitchen table through open dialogue and understanding. Although active listening can be challenging, it remains the best parental decision compared to the heartbreaking alternative.

Broken bonds lead to broken hearts. Read More...