CULPEPER, Va. - TelAve -- On November 23, 2025, Dr. Tonya Rivers delivered a powerful and timely TEDx Talk challenging audiences to rethink how everyday language shapes human connection, grief, emotional presence, and long-term well-being with intentional living. Presented at TEDx Culpeper Women in Virginia, the talk explores how the gradual loss of meaning in common expressions, particularly the word goodbye, has influenced how society processes endings, presence, and emotional engagement. Through reflection and lived experience, Dr. Rivers invites viewers to reclaim purpose in their words as a means to foster deeper, more intentional interactions in life's most meaningful moments.

In the talk, Dr. TR presents one idea worth spreading: a single, intentional change in how people speak can be made in seconds and can have a profound influence on how people live, relate, and lead. By examining how commonly used words and expressions have been reduced through habit and convenience, she encourages a return to meaning and blessings in everyday communication.

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Bringing Goodbye Back to Life is now available on YouTube and is positioned as an idea worth spreading for individuals, educators, leaders, faith communities, and organizations seeking to foster intentional living and meaningful connection.

Watch the TEDx Talk on YouTube: https://youtu.be/nYh-FZBQi9s


Bringing Goodbye Back to Life

About Dr. Tonya Rivers (Dr. TR)
Dr. Tonya Rivers is an esteemed professor, in-demand guest lecturer, and thought leader whose work focuses on communication, leadership, and personal and professional development goals. Through teaching, speaking, and public service, she challenges individuals and organizations to examine everyday practices that shape culture and connection within communities. Dr. Rivers is widely known for translating reflection into action and helping audiences lead with purpose, presence, and clarity.