Jeff Yalden is a man who overcame incredible odds and circumstances to become who he is today. As a teenager, his record in the classroom was nothing to brag about. He took the SAT’s twice and out of a possible 1600, he scored a 680 the first time and a 610 the second time. In addition to his poor academic skills, Jeff also suffered from a stutter, a twitch, bad acne, and a learning disability. Because of his poor attitude and negative self-image, he eventually graduated 128th out of a class of 133. Even though he was accepted by three of the 19 colleges he applied to, Jeff Yalden was afraid to go to college because of a fear of failure, rejection and the belief that he wasn't intelligent enough.
Jeff's turning point came one month after graduating from high school, when he was chosen as Mr. New Hampshire Male America and Mr. Male Americas Mr. Personality. A year later, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He was two-time Marine-of-the-Year and played basketball for the All-Marine Corps basketball team.
After this brief period of success, Jeff Yalden experienced a setback prompted by a failed relationship, which forced him to live out of a car. Soon after, Jeff was hospitalized with depression and thoughts of suicide. In 1994, after his honorable discharge from the United States Marine Corps, Jeff realized that his potential and life were in his own hands. He reached out for help, and, as a result, has committed his life to helping others help themselves. Jeff Yalden’s life has changed and so has the lives of thousands of youth, simply because of his message.
Today, Jeff Yalden has captivated over 3,000 audiences from all over the world. From school assemblies to youth conferences, Jeff Yalden has impacted the lives of over two million people in all 50 states and 6 countries. A Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), the highest designation given by the National Speakers Association for professional speakers, Jeff Yalden is in a class with less than 10% of all professional speakers worldwide. A consummate professional, Jeff Yalden has presented for National PRIDE World Drug Free Conference, National Speakers Associations Annual Youth Conference, National/State Student Council Conferences, FCCLA, SADD, FBLA, FHA and Teen Institutes. Along with presentations for students, he also delivers many programs for teachers, parents and communities as well.
Along with being written up in thousands of newspapers across the country, Jeff Yalden is also author of They Call Me Coach, Keep It Simple, 20 Ways To Keep It Simple, Traits of a Leader, co-author of LEAD NOW . . . or Step Aside, and contributing author of, A Cup of Chicken Soup for the Soul, which was heralded on the New York Times #1 bestseller list.
He is a man who believes that success is contingent upon ones attitude towards life and the way people perceive themselves as individuals. Jeff Yalden is a person who has lived his presentation making him one of the most entertaining and captivating speakers you'll ever hear. His delivery and unique style of presenting leaves all those in attendance with much to think about while keeping them riveted to his every word. A humorous speaker with a message that is entertaining and educational, experience for yourself why he is one of the most sought after speakers in education today.