High School Motivational Speaker video goes viral: 11000 Views in 30 Hours

It was still dark at 7:45 in the morning on January 26, 2017, when Jeff Yalden was on his way to speak at Riverton Parke Junior-Senior High School in Montezuma, Indiana – just north of Terre Haute. Yalden said he woke up slightly depressed because of the weather, and he started thinking about seasonal affective disorder – or SAD – and how this might impact the kids. The Mayo Clinic defines SAD as a type of depression that’s related to changes in seasons that begins and ends at about the same times every year. “Indiana is ranked number two in the nation for teen-completed suicides – and for those of you that suffer from mental illness, you understand the effects of seasonal affective disorder,” Yalden said. By eight o’clock, the morning light was just starting to come through, and Jeff made his way into the school. The morning to this point could be called dreary. What happened next can be likened to being lit up by two rays of positivity. “I walked into the school and I met two incredible high school students – Taylor and Lexi – who just opened my heart and made me feel like I really wanted to be there. They gave me a tour of the school and before I knew it, everything changed.” Jeff said that seeing two kids representing their school so well was the most incredible thing he had ever seen. He went on to speak for nearly two hours, covering topics like self-esteem, purpose, self-respect and the importance of the right attitude on a daily basis. Many people have dreams, but they remain just that without action. “Dreams don’t work. Plans do,” he said. “As a coach, I would probably dream of winning – but it starts with a plan.” As always, Jeff was in the moment. He knows what he is talking about because he has been there. His authenticity was not lost on the student body. He stressed the importance of putting plans into writing – and reminded these young people that nothing will ever replace human relationships. At the end of his talk, he was given a standing ovation. Jeff’s video of this school visit went viral, receiving 11,000 views in the first 30 hours since it posted. Taylor and Lexi gave Yalden the sunshine he needed on a grey, chilly morning. “The kids were amazing, and for someone that deals with mental health, I have got to prepare myself every day. I was ill-prepared on this day – but those two young ladies were awesome,” he said. “It was an amazing visit and one that I will always remember.” Jeff has presented more than 4,500 programs in all 50 States, 48 countries and every Canadian province – and counting. Is your school or organization ready for The Jeff Yalden Experience? Find out more at www.jeffyalden.com or call 800-948-9289 to book Jeff now.