Experts say that it takes human beings just seven seconds to make a first impression. “It’s true,” said Wendy Dwyer, associate professor at Indian River State College. “Within seven seconds of meeting someone, you typically decide whether or not to like them, trust them, develop a relationship with them, or work with them. When you’re looking for a job or career, don’t you want to make those first seven seconds – and all the ones thereafter – count?”
Students and the public are invited to make the most of their communication skills, even those critical first seven seconds at the Back to the Future Speed Communication Workshop. The Friday March 23 event will feature 20 highly-respected professionals from business, industry, community leadership, non-profit and education sectors helping participants ensure that the first impression, and every impression thereafter, is positive and memorable.
The free, morning workshop will be held at Indian River State College’s Pruitt Campus on California Boulevard in St. Lucie West from 8 a.m. to Noon. It has been organized by Wendy Dwyer as a recipient of the Dan K. Richardson Endowed Teaching Chair in Business and Entrepreneurship from the IRSC Foundation.
The premise of the Back to the Future Speed Communication Workshop is simple. Students and community members need to learn how to make a good first impression on potential employers, professional contacts, and in short – everyone they meet. This morning-long workshop will address those issues in an entertaining and hands-on format.
Participants will be broken into random groups and will be assigned 10 stations to visit. Each station will feature professionals who will focus on specific skills including: First Impressions – Seven Seconds, CUL8R – Covering It, Professional Attire, Getting Social – Social Media as a Blessing and Curse for the Potential Job-Seekers, Body Language, Volunteerism and Career Success, Punctuality and Professionalism, and a special Speed Networking Section.
Professionals scheduled to participate in the program include: Jamie Duplantis of PNC Bank, Art Allen and Travis Leonard of A and G Pools, Harbor Community Bank President and COO J. Hal Roberts, Tina Klein, St. Lucie County Property Appraiser Michelle Franklin, Entrepreneur and local legend, Jane Rowley, Torrey Pines Founders Richard and Pamela Houghten, Stacy Malinowski of Mustard Seed, IRSC’s Vice-President of Student Affairs Dr. Marta Cronin, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office General Counsel Adam Fetterman, St. Andrew’s School’s Rhonda Blakey, sales superhero Julie Lilliquist, Stuart Main Street director Thondra Pritchard, serial entrepreneur David Bessette, designer Sabre Mochachino, All Things Treasure Coast owner Dana Trabulsy, and Fort Pierce Mayor Linda Hudson.
Joining this year’s powerhouse team of presenters will be Department of Homeland Security Senior Attorney Joy Merriman, who will be traveling from her home in New York to participate in this year’s event.
The Speed Communicating program is open to students of Indian River State College and members of the community, and though it is free, space is limited, and participants must register in advance.
To register, take seven seconds right now and call Wendy Dwyer at 772-336-6289 or email wdwyer@irsc.edu.
