¡Viva Comunicación!

For the past two days I have been working on the road. When I travel, I meet the most interesting people.

The diversity and talent our country holds never fails to amaze me! This trip brought me in touch with three interesting gentlemen from Mexico, another from Algeria, and yet another from Nigeria. Talk about spanning the globe! All of them were in the same room. What an opportunity!

Each in his own way brought a ray of sunshine into a long trip. Why? Because we were able to communicate on a basic human level.

Of course the three señores from Mexico spoke Spanish, and I will take any opportunity to practice. I enjoy finding out where the people I meet are from. ¿De dónde es usted? is one of my favorite questions.

These three came from three distinctly different parts of Mexico, and their English language skills were just as varied as the geography from which they hailed. Julio, the banquet manager, was completely bilingual and had entered the US at thirteen. The other two men spoke some English but were still more comfortable speaking Spanish with me.

Seeing the joy on their faces when I spoke to them in Spanish is something that I won't forget.

Let's not forget the other two fascinating gentlemen I encountered. French is their native language. I could tell that it had been a long, long time since anyone had chatted with them in it. Both men lit up with smiles that would rival a clear morning sunrise.

Taking the time to smile and using a few basic phrases in their native languages made a positive difference to these men. It was obvious, touching and unforgetable. One even said that it was good to hear his native language again.

There's no replacement for the human touch! There's no replacement for language!

¡Viva Comunicación! Vive la Communication!

Who have you touched today with a spoken word and a smile?