 |
 |
Jeff Yalden overcame incredible odds to become the man he is today... |
 As a teenager, he lost interest academically. He took the SATs twice and scored only 610 out of a possible 1600. Worse yet, Jeff suffered from a stutter, a facial tic, bad acne, and a learning disability. With a dismal sense of self and a defeatist attitude toward the world, Jeff graduated high school 128th in a class of 133.
Although he was accepted by 3 of the 19 colleges to which he applied, Jeff was afraid to attend college, so intense was his fear of rejection, failure, and the mother of all loads - inadequacy.
The turning point came one month after high school when Jeff grew sick of being sick and decided to take charge of his life. He entered and won the Mr. New Hampshire Male America and later Male America's "Mr. Personality." A year later, he enlisted with the Marine Corp where he quickly learned the virtue of self-reliance and teamwork. Jeff became a two-time Marine of the Year and played for the All-Marine-Corp basketball team.
Unfortunately, a failed relationship sent Jeff spiraling back toward his old ways and soon, he found himself hospitalized with depression and suicidal tendencies. In 1994, after an honorable discharge from the Marines, Jeff realized that his destiny was in his own hands. He reached deep inside himself for the fortitude and character to make powerful, life-transforming choices.
And the healing began.
Today Jeff draws on the grace he experienced in his darkest lessons to help today's youth transform their own lives. He has captured the imagination of more than 3,000 audiences from all over the world. Jeff is a Certified Speaking Professional, the highest designation by the National Speakers Association and a distinction earned by fewer than 10% of all speakers.
Jeff has presented for the likes of SADD, FBLA, STUCO, FCCLA, SEARCH INSTITUTE, The National PRIDE World Drug-Free Conference, National Speakers Association, National Student Council, and more. Along with youth programs, Jeff delivers programs for teachers, parents, and communities as well.
Jeff appears routinely in print, the subject of articles in newspapers and magazines across the country. He is also the author of They Call Me Coach, Keep It Simple, 20 Ways To Keep It Simple, and Traits of a Leader. Jeff coauthored Lead Now or Step Aside and contributed to New York Times bestseller A Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul.
Jeff believes that success depends on one's worldview - how people perceive their position in the world. His stories of personal transformation uplift and entertain, for Jeff is living, breathing proof of the miracles available to every human.
Find out for yourself why Jeff Yalden is the most sought-after speaker in education today. |
| |
 |
| |
Jeff Yalden has addressed youth representing over 48 countries, more than 3,500 middle schools, high schools, leadership/youth conferences, colleges and universities. |
 Seventy million viewers watched Jeff in action on MTV's longest-running reality show, MADE. Thousands of newspapers and magazines have reported on the impact Jeff Yalden is having on today's youth. Jeff has authored a series of books, including Keep It Simple, Twenty Ways to Keep It Simple, Traits of a Leader, and his latest, They Call Me Coach. Jeff also contributed to A Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul and coauthored Lead Now or Step Aside.
When Jeff visits a school, he leaves the students thinking about their own lives in new ways. He inspires them to consider what is possible when they take charge. Students listen to Jeff because he meets them on their own playing field, speaking in a language they understand about issues that truly concern them.
Jeff believes that success in life - fulfillment and service - is contingent upon how we perceive ourselves as individuals and, consequently, the attitude with which we approach others. Life itself is not complicated; that's something we do. Says Jeff, "the mind is a wonderful servant and a horrible master."
Jeff's charm and flamboyance are so infectious that parents and teachers often find themselves rethinking their own lives in exciting new ways. In one complete program, Jeff entertains, educates, and empowers everyone in earshot.
It is a program about education and life, attitude and respect - morals that come through Jeff's humorous and touching stories. It is, in fact, Jeff's honesty about his own shortcomings that endears him most to youth. He was, by his own estimation, a grade-A loser who only discovered his true self, his most powerful possibilities, when he grew sick of being sick and finally took charge. |
| |
|
| |
A Message From Jeff |
 Why do I have so many satisfied clients? Because my goal is to give you more than you expect. I concentrate on being of service and making a difference; the sales take care of themselves.
I take pride in being a role model to today's youth, teaching them how it is cool to be happy and do right by others, teaching them about their own power. I deliver short stories that lead students to healthier lifestyles free of drugs and full of humor and joy.
This is perhaps most clear when the students gather round after my program to express their gratitude, shake hands, etc. It's my honor to give every student a free autographed picture by which they can remember the messages, the feelings between the words.
Some planners tell me, "Jeff, your program sounds fun and educational, but I'm concerned about content: language, off-color remarks, religious connotations."
These are valid concerns, but I assure you that everything I say and do is family-friendly. Remember that I am the most traveled youth speaker in the world. I personally deliver over 250 programs annually to schools, youth conferences, teacher in-services, special events, churches, even TV. I have encountered the fuddiest of duddies and am pleased to report that even they give my program the thumbs-up.
Kind regards,
Jeff Yalden |
|
|
|
|
|
