Sample "Mexico" Mike Speach
Sample outline for keynote speech
Introduction
My introduction always puts people at ease and sets the tone. They relax and expect to be entertained and informed. One of my first lines is, "I wasn't born "Mexico" Mike. I wasn't born handsome, either, but I couldn't change that." I then move into a story about how men always appear to be in control, even when they don't know anything. I'll do this with a story of how, when I went to Mexico with my first ex-wife (that's not Mexico's fault), I tried to impress her with my knowledge of Spanish. I told a bellboy that there was a problem with our room: "No hay sopa en el bano." After explaining the difference between soup (sopa) and soap (jabon), I use it to show that you can travel Mexico without knowing Spanish and still get along. The Mexican people are so kind and understanding that they give you a lot of latitude.
I. Wat can you expect from traveling to Mexico?
In this section, I will introduce some of the attractions of Mexico that make it an exciting destination: the people, the food, the natural beauty, the spas and hot springs, archeology. Driving in Mexico is a specialty of mine.
What are the hotels like? Will your hair dryer work? The answer is yes -- but there is a caveat. You will need to buy an inexpensive (50 cents) adaptor for the electrical plug. U.S. appliances are polarized -- one end of the plug is fatter than the other. In older hotels, Mexican plugs are too small for the fat end. Mexico's electrical current is the same as ours. What is the food like? What are the buses, trains, taxis, like? Medical care? Is it safe? Etc. As you can see, I cover everything.
II. Can you buy property in Mexico? Can real estate in Mexico be financed?
You can now finance real estate in Mexico. I worked on the planning and development of a program by a U.S. company that introduced financing U.S. citizens who want to buy real estate in Mexico.
You can buy property anywhere in Mexico, though there are some special rules about buying property in Mexico if you want to buy property on the coasts of Mexico. In the interior, you buy property and get a deed just like you would at home.
III. What is different for single women traveling alone in Mexico?
I have a whole series of tips for single women to enjoy their trip and avoid hassles. Many women have told me that they feel safer in Mexico than in the States!
IV. Why go to Mexico for medical tourism?
Mexico has hospitals and doctors that have been independently judged by physicians to be world-class. Costs of treatment are about 40-70% of U.S. prices. A kidney transplant, for example can cost around $10,000 compared to hundreds of thousands of dollars in the States. For people who have no insurance or are under-insured, getting medical care in Mexico can be literally a lifesaver.
V. What opportunities exist for volunteering in Mexico, or working in Mexico?
Teaching English is popular for both of these needs. I work with a man whose web site and newsletter are devoted to exactly this.
VI. What of eco tourism and adventure tourism?
These are the second fastest-growing segment of the tourism market. I have some places and advice for finding reputable companies. Eco tourism is so overused that some companies call their high-rise hotels in the the Cancun Corridor "ecotouristic."
VII. Conclusion.
I always leave them on a positive, uplifting note.