Renowned speech/communications coach, author and theatre and dance alumna, Janet G. Elsea, Ph.D., will take part in an informal conversation with David Grenke, Department of Theatre and Dance chair, on Friday, April 27 at 1 p.m. in Wright Hall’s Lab B. The event is free.  

Elsea is founder and president of Communications Skills, formed in 1978. Consultant, public speaker and author, she is an international expert in communication, executive development and leadership skills. Recent clients include:  Arizona Republic, BlueCross BlueShield of AZ., Copper Point Mutual Insurance, Cox Communications, Henkel, Honeywell, I/O Data and Qualcomm, as well as various government agencies and non-profit organizations. She also provides coaching in communication skills, leadership development, presentation and media skills to corporate executives and political leaders.

A renowned authority in the management of first impressions, Dr. Elsea is the author of “First Impression, Best Impression” (Simon & Schuster), translated into Dutch, French, Japanese and Spanish. Her work has been published in Personnel Journal, Chemical Laboratory Management Review, San Diego Business Journal, AZ Meetings and Events, Physician Assistant, Food Management Review, North Dakota Quarterly and the Washington Post.

Member of the American Society for Training and Development, she was named Professional of the Year and Consultant of the Year by the Phoenix Chapter. Dr. Elsea is past President  of Charter 100 and served on the Governor’s Commission to Prevent Violence Against Women. She is a graduate of the FBI’s Citizens’ Academy. She was given a Spirit of Philanthropy award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals for her work with the AZ Animal Welfare League. Dr. Elsea received the YWCA of Maricopa County’s highest honor, the Dorothy Willey award. She chairs its Leadership Giving Council.

Elsea received her Ph.D. from the University of Iowa and her B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of California at Davis. She is a lifetime member of the National Communication Association.