Do you sometimes have difficulty understanding why people of different ages think the way they do and do the things they do?

That's because people born at different times are influenced by the events, values, changes and struggles of a specific time period, according to Emily Ballance, M.Ed., a professional speaker.

Ballance will present a seminar titled "Under-standing and Working with Different Ages and Generations," Tuesday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Sandhills Community College, in Room 103 of Van Dusen Hall.

The seminar, sponsored by the Sandhills Community College Small Business Center, is free and open to the public.

To register, contact Marilyn Neely, SBC director, at neelym@sandhills. edu or (910) 695-3938.

"The better we understand other people, the better our chances are of communicating effectively and connecting with them," Ballance says. "In this seminar, we'll look at four generations, now these ages: millennials, 32 and under; gen-Xers, 32-52; baby boomers, 52-69; and traditionalists, 69-90. We'll look at the key events that shaped their lives and the values that many adopted.

"We'll also talk about some of the characteristics and struggles shared by certain age groups. Knowing what these are and understanding the needs of each group can help businesses improve customer service and boost employee morale, productivity and their bottom line. This information can be very helpful to businesses, organizations, and faith communities that serve diverse age groups."

Ballance says she loves to speak on this topic.

"The discussion is always fascinating," Ballance says. "At one seminar, we were discussing baby boomers and a slide of Woodstock was on the screen. A woman raised her hand and said, 'I was there.'

"She said she was 17 years old in 1969 when she sneaked out of her parents' house at midnight to meet her best friend and drive to Woodstock, N.Y.

"After she told us about the experience, a man asked, 'What happened after you got back?' She replied, 'Oh ... I couldn't leave the house for six months!'"

Ballance speaks on business-related topics at Small Business Centers throughout the North Carolina Community College System. She also presents keynotes on positive humor and workshops on communication, leadership, networking, customer service and wellness at conferences, events and meetings across the country.

Ballance was recently awarded the Certified Speaking Professional designation, the highest earned designation awarded by the National Speakers Association. To earn it, a speaker must meet very challenging criteria in the areas of platform skills, business management, education and association. Women in the National Speakers Association who have earned this designation make up less than 8 percent of its total membership.