Why Genuine Encounters Require More Than Just a First Impression

Drawing on a personal experience at his own club, Marlow D. Guttmann takes the audience behind what we think we can discern about people at first glance. His talk brings home just how quickly we judge and how much can be lost in the process: closeness, understanding, and genuine connection. He invites us to pause, question first impressions, and rethink how we approach encounters. An inspiration that touches, resonates, and changes how we view others. He delivered this talk as part of the SPEAK UP! series by Rotary & Rotaract as a finalist at the 2026 Rotaract Germany Conference in Duisburg before an audience of over 800 members.