Craig Valentine

Craig is the author of The Nuts and Bolts of Public Speaking, co-author of World Class Speaking, and contributing author of Guerrilla Marketing on the Front Lines. He is the producer of several best-selling home-study courses for speakers. Craig also has an MBA from Johns Hopkins University and is certified as a Co-Active Coach and a Guerrilla Marketing Coach.

Before becoming a full-time speaker, Craig delivered sales presentations for Glencoe/McGraw-Hill and won the Mid-Atlantic Division’s Salesperson of the Year award 3 times. He currently averages more than 80 presentations per year and works with presenters from Toronto to Taiwan. His rehire rate as a speaker exceeds 92%. Craig has also received the Congressional Achievement Award from the United States Congress for excellence in communications.

Craig, I attended the GMN conference but unfortunately missed your sessions. I’ve attended this conference for the past five years but never had a session where all my colleagues unanimously said it was the best session they’ve attended. Thanks again for speaking at the GMN conference.

Cristina Yoon,
Member of the Grants Managers Network

You were WONDERFUL!!! Everyone is STILL talking about you!!! I am even trying to practice your tips! You made me aware of practicing and putting my learning to use daily (along with a number of other very good thoughts)!

Suzy G. Johnson
Meridian/Lauderdale County Tourism Director

I just wanted to thank you so much for presenting at our 2010 GMN conference this weekend. I’m so disappointed that I didn’t get to attend myself (I was presenting at conflicting sessions)- but I wanted to tell you that you were the talk of the conference. People who have attended the conference for years said that this is the best session the conference has ever had. They loved your humor and friendly approach- and they were amazed at how you were able to lead such an interactive workshop with such a large group. You were truly a pleasure to work with from start to finish. I hope you also enjoyed working with GMN- JOHNSON FAMILY FOUNDATION;

Sarah M. Heaton,
Grants Manager & Program Associate

Thank you so much Craig, for sharing with me. You were one of the all-time highlights of my life! Look forward to learning more insights from you with these fantastic tools!

Debbie Allen,
Dallas, TX

Hello Craig, Just wanted to let you know how impressed I was with your speaking ability at Saturdays Minnesota Toastmasters TELI. My father was the Public Relations Director for the Minnesota Twins for 34 years and a highly professional motivational speaker himself. He has always taught me to pick on myself first and let the audience relate………YOU got it down! Super, spectacular speaking engagement. Way to captivate your audience. Sincerely;

Kelli Friese, Ramsey, Minnesota

No one’s words have ever had the effect on me that yours did. The 3′ Gs were kickin — still are. AND I have a goal. One of these days you and I will be speaking on the same stage together. That will be part of my perfect day. Imagine that Take care, and have an awesome day.

Kelvin Ringold Sr.,
Syracuse, NY

Hi Craig, you are truly the best speaker I have ever heard, and my first day back in my sales territory, I was charged. I let everyone know how you changed us with you dynamic inspirational speech. Your message is tailored to the spirit that is required to motivate yourself permanently, and ensure personal growth. We broke a district record by selling 154 registrations. Every conference I have been to before has struggled to sell 100. All of us realize that this success was a direct result of our keynote speaker. So thanks Craig for the help. Thanks for a great contribution to the Spring Conference.

Bob Sloan; Fall Conference Chair 2001;
President Seaway Toastmasters (Cornwall, Canada)

Dear Craig, I had the honor of attending your course recently in Manchester N.H. There haven’t been more than a few experience in my life, that while it was happening, I knew would have a lasting, positive affect. Craig, you truly do have a gift. If I can come away from your seminar with a fraction of what you offered, I will walk away a much wiser man. I’m not talking about what you were paid to deliver, but rather the way in which it was delivered. I will emulate your approach to life, family and profession to the best of my ability. I wish you continued success throughout your life. Someday when I see you on T.V., I will turn to my children and say “I had the HONOR of shaking that man’s hand. Sincerely, Patrick Yeo; Blackdog Builders Inc.; Salem N.H.

What you taught us was worth the price of the whole conference. I am glad I was at the Region VI conference to hear you. If I can actually apply half of what I learned it will be great. Warren Musselman; Member of Region VI

Craig, I just wanted to thank you again for the seminar in Tuscon. I came thinking that the conference may not focus on what I thought I really needed, but that I could always gain something. I was pleasantly surprised! Not only did I learn, rethink and relearn a good deal about the topic of Coaching and Mentoring Teams, but your ‘S’ style of fast-paced, multi-disciplined approach to the subject made me realize I was in great need of a mental overhaul.

I am a strong believer in serendipity — that people will enter your lives at crucial moments to make a lasting impact — and here was another case of that law in motion. Thanks for sharing your vision to others. I would have plenty to thank you for if it were only to remember the importance of writing goals and following dreams to remain on one’s path to personal success. But most of all, as I drove back to Phoenix from the seminar, I realized that I needed to become a source of light for myself, and where possible, others. Thanks for being a source of light for me.

Craig, best wishes on your continued public speaking career, and I will look forward to your eventual return to the Southwest. Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Sincerely, Mark Molique, MCP;
SAIS Maintenance Project Lead; Arizona Department of Education

Craig, I just completed your seminar at the Valley Forge Hilton and just wanted to, once again, say Thank You! I am hoping to use your guidance to help my workplace grow and come together more. I am just unsure if my superiors will allow that type of growth. My workplace is not very “change” oriented, and I think that’s why we are not doing so well. Lack of communication is the best way I can describe it. Hopefully some of the tactics you taught me will change all of that! Wishing You Continued Success!
Name held in confidence

Craig, I just want to let you know how much I enjoyed the seminar on coaching, mentoring, and team-building last week. It was really quite informative and I plan to use what I learned to begin some gradual changing in our service. Again, thanks for the wonderful class!!! Renee Woerner; Administrative Officer; Education Service Line

Dear Dwayne and Anita, last night’s banquet was (IMHO) the best Dawn-Breakers event ever! Kudos to all of you for all the hard work you put into it and for bringing world-champion Craig Valentine to speak to us. He really blew us all away! All my fellow Stone Mountain members in attendance were extremely impressed as well. Again, kudos to you for all the hard work you put into the planning and execution of this event, and I look forward to next year’s banquet. Respectfully Submitted; Steve Williams, DTM ; Club President; Stone Mountain TM (4144-14)

Craig, I’ve received positive feedback from just about everyone on the management training. Tony told me many of his managers directly told him the training was informative and that real tools were presented and could be used. Rich has already down loaded the performance management tool and is using it. He came into my office with his laptop and showed me what he had done. His quote, “This is great” I hope he continues. The group also benefited from being together for the two days. It doesn’t happen too often. Thanks again, I hope we can do business in the near future. Dee Sinski ; Praxair

What a fantastic job you did today!!!! I’m continuing to get high praise from our volunteers. Thanks so much for coming out to support us. Jackie Hrabowski (Community Relations; T. Rowe Price)

Hi Craig; Laugh? I nearly cried! Cry? I nearly pee’d me pants!!! Thanks for a great keynote at the conference, and for highlighting my name 29 times, copyrighted at $10 per, so $290 bucks or a drink next time will meet will suffice. I loved your presentation. You are an obvious inspiration to all, so keep up the great work. Sorry we couldn’t shake hands whilst you were in town, but you were surrounded by adoring fans, and who was I to interfere with that? Once again, thanks. DAVID H HOOKER; Semi-finalist World Champion Public Speaking Contest – 2003; Canadian Association of Professional Speakers

Craig, thank you again for a very effective presentation. I have heard only positive responses to it. Hope your trip home was uneventful. Barbara DeLellis, Director of Business Development Berkeley College

I so enjoyed your speaking at the Retreat last week; a wonderful opening! Life is valuable…enjoy! Barbara Lioi; Manager Compensation; Catholic Charities

Craig, I heard you speak at an award ceremony for the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. You also sat behind me after speaking. I thanked you afterwards for your words and thoughts, but, you didn’t see my tears, from being touched by your words of being the best possible, and from pride in seeing my wife receive an award. I thank you for the inspiration that has launched another great and continuing experience. Bryan Gall

Craig, thanks for being a part of the greatest conference District 21 has had since I have been a member. You were, I believe, the best keynote speaker we have ever had. A big part of that was in the way you participated in every aspect of the conference from beginning to end. You truly became one of us, an honorary D21er. I learned a lot from you. Gerry Jensen

Craig, this is John Forde from AT&T. I was just at your seminar in Augusta, GA. I just wanted to thank you once again on what a Great job you did at our seminar. I really enjoyed myself for those 2 days and I think AT&T is going to benefit from your seminar. I know you’re busy and I just wanted to drop you a quick email. I hope one day I will get the chance to meet you again. Take care and good luck in the future. John Forde AT&T Information Services

Craig, glad to hear you arrived safely at home. I’ve heard such great comments on your seminar. It was really an outstanding 2-day seminar. Regards, Linda DiFrenza; Praxair

Craig, it was a great 2 days in your class. Hope things stay fresh with me, and that I can continue with some of the readings and CD’s. I have heard nothing but good things about you since returning to work.
There were quite a few co-workers along for the ride and we all feel the same. Hope to hear you again. If you are in town again and want to work out, please let me know when. Best wishes, Bernard Hyman; Computer Services Corporation

Craig – I was in a seminar you gave recently in Princeton. You really made that seminar and I wanted to thank you for energizing and engaging us all. I would love to be in another of your seminars someday.Benjamin Bell; Lockheed Martin Advanced Technology Laboratories

Craig, thanks again for being such a motivating instructor and for recommending the 7 Habits audio tapes. I’ve listened to them twice already, and began the third time this morning. My desire to listen to the radio in the car is waning, and my desire to continuously improve is ever increasing. I’ve also started in on the Prioritize/Organize book you also recommended. Thanks again for everything. I hope this message finds you doing well. Take care, Jesse Bedolla

Craig, thank you for your stories, humor and wisdom shared on that CD. I enjoyed it and am incorporating some activities in my life. I purchased the “speaking secrets of six world champs” audios a couple of weeks ago, and listened to your CD yesterday. Last night, during a bit of insomnia, I went downstairs and wrote about my “perfect day”. I closed my eyes; saw the day, felt it, heard the conversations, tasted the meals, and felt the closeness of friendships, and helped a heck of a lot of people. I’ve gotta say, it’s a damn good day I have planned! And I’ll get there! I hadn’t said “GO!” until recently. Now I know what my definition of success looks & feels like.Good luck and continued success to you! I hope our paths cross, and I’m able to see you live! Best, David S Rachford, CPA

Thank you very much for your sharing, Craig. I never knew the true power of speech till I heard your speeches. Thanks for inspiring all of us to speak up. All the best, Donald Yee; Hong Kong

Craig, I just wanted to thank you for your presentation on Friday. The response was excellent. John Secord; Coppin State Athletics

Dear Craig, just saying “thank you” would not do justice to how appreciative I am (along with my fellow club officers) that you came to speak at our Open House. Your speech really inspired the audience and your abilities were praised long after you left the room! We had quite a few enthusiastic individuals sign-up to become new members. I am sure due in large part to your motivating words. All in all, the Open House was a great success – and we’re so happy you were a part of it! So, a thousand “thank you’s! All our best, Mara Cummins (Discovery Channel)

Dear Craig, thank you for an informative and motivational speech on hiring and recruiting. The goal that I took away for my company is the creation of job descriptions for all positions. I am amazed at the poise of motivational speakers and inspired by your ability to follow your personal dreams. Thank you,Lauren Wagner (Rick Case Automotive Group); Corporate Recruiting Director

Hi Craig, hope you enjoyed your weekend up here as much as we enjoyed you. At our CAPS meeting this past Saturday, you were the number one topic of conversation amongst those who were at the conference the previous weekend. You are EVERYTHING as a speaker I’d like to be; And Laurel (my wife) agrees with me: you’re TOP! Have a wonderFUNtastic day! A bientot. Daniel “Milk-And-Cookies” Saintjean; Chapter member (Ottawa) of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers

Craig, recently I purchased the 5 CD program and I would just like to express my utmost appreciation to you for the invaluable information. Your stories are great, your humor is enjoyable and the advice you shared was superior. Realizing you have put a tremendous effort into your craft, it is easy to see how you earned the title World Champion of Speakers. I would like to express my gratitude in the fact that you were willing to share the “nuts and bolts” of how to successfully duplicate your results with us. You may never know how many lives you have touched, but rest assured, I will always remember Craig Valentine. Thanks for making me TALL and God bless you. Sincerely, Mark Sassman

Greetings Craig, I just want to thank you for attending our conference last weekend. You did a great job. Your insight… was invaluable. Most importantly, I would like to thank you for recognizing me in your presentation. It meant a lot. The CD’s are great! I have been listening to them carefully. In large part because of you, I am inspired, more now than ever, to pursue my goals. I will keep you posted on my journey. Again, thank you, and good luck. You have an invaluable skill-set that can only help others to achieve their dreams. Keep up the great work. Respectfully, Kalev Suurkask; Canada

Dear Mr. Valentine: truly, seeing you speak tonight was a life changing event for me! I’ve already visited your website and listened to your CDs (words can’t express the inspiration and information you provide). You should have seen my friend when you called me up. She was almost excited as I was. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. You are truly a World Champion in the truest form. Keep living your dreams. Sincerely, Michael Ervin Sr.

The Award ceremony was a wonderful way to show State employees that their extra efforts are really appreciated. I was proud to receive an award and represent Brandenburg Center’s ongoing quality services to the citizens of Maryland. Craig Valentine added just the right touch to push our performance level over the top! Lee Williamson; DHMH

Great job yesterday. I really enjoyed the seminar and feel everyone will really benefit from it. Thank you, Otto P. Schlicht ; Dynasplint, Inc.

Craig, I enjoyed attending your seminar in Columbia, SC on 5-30-2001. I coach trainers and was very impressed with your presentation skills; and then at the very end of the training you stated that you were the 1999 Toastmaster! WOW! Thanks again! Marc Van Baar; Support Education Trainer; Charleston, SC
Craig, thank you so much for a wonderful day on Saturday. Your message was truly inspirational. I appreciate that you gave of your time and I hope our paths will cross again. Margaret Chippendale
Department of Corrections

Dear Craig: I just wanted you to know that your D27 conference speech motivated me to get more involved w/ TMs. I’ve poured my energy into a high performance leadership project that resulted in me teaching a corporate university course on public speaking -and- in a new project of starting up a new club. Thanks for serving as a catalyst and motivator! John Lesko; Decision Coach & Group Facilitator; A-Team Innovation Center
Hi Craig, I jotted down a quote from you when you spoke here at Uniformed Services University. I’d like to get it exactly right and of course credit you. Really I just have it on my “inspiration wall”. Here goes:
“You don’t get more out of life until you make the most of what you already have.” Thanks, and I hope all is well by you. Heidi Friedman; Uniformed Services University
Dear Mr. Valentine, I just wanted to say that I feel you are one of the best, if not the best, speakers I have heard in my life. I recently purchased the six CD set of World Champion Speakers – and I must say your “Snake Bite” speech is absolutely excellent!! I have listened to it nearly 20 times, and it maintains its excitement & deep meaning each time. Thanks, Andrew Britton, MBA, R.Ph.

Craig, you’ve got a voice and a message that needs to be heard by the masses. Kenneth Walker

Dear Mr. Valentine, I was speechless after your presentation. You are an excellent speaker and you have a lot to be proud of. Sincerely, Abbey Rhode

Craig, thank you for speech today. I thought you were very entertaining and motivating. I will read some of the authors you suggested (I am already a Steve Covey fan), but I think I will start with Less Brown “Live Your Dreams.” Bryan Ashley; Eprise Corporation; Regional Sales Manager

WOW” doesn’t say it! I was feeling kind of down last night. I was being self-critical and even moping a bit. Then, in just a few minutes, your presentation made me feel good about myself. I felt motivated. You turned my frown into a smile and it was a smile that lasted through today!” Andrew Greenstein; Florida

Craig, a thousand “thank you’s” for coming as our guest presenter. The turnout was great and, as you could see, drew those from outside Toastmasters as well as those from other Toastmasters clubs. You have given us the inspiration needed to continue building our membership and strengthen our commitment to the Toastmasters program. Thanks for presenting to us “The Way of the Champions.” Again, yours, in a great cause, Michael Barker; Dupont

Craig: thanks so much for the sessions on management and leadership skills. It was wonderful. Roger-Mark De Souza

Dear Craig: You were really doing dynamic performance during three days of Toastmasters Convention 2001-Taiwan in Taipei. Your juicy idea of speech breath soaking to my dried brain. I just say YOU become the idol of Taiwan Toastmasters! In this year your all of twenty GOALs reached! I eagerly applause to you by e-mail before you back to the states. Best Regards, Joy Han; 67P Area3 PECL, Taiwan

Hi Craig! You have the perfect audience with network marketers who experience tremendous personal doubts, fears, trial and tribulations when seeking their road to success in their business. Good luck with your future endeavours ! Tim Mahony

Hi Craig Valentine, I was in the audience last night at the Dawn Breakers celebration in Atlanta, GA where I heard your “Get off your BUTT and do something with your life” presentation. Your “Go do it” message reaffirmed the decision where I gave my resignation a week ago so I can do what ‘ZEKE’ needs to do for himself. I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to observe a ‘Master Champion’ at work. Communicatively yours, ZEKE SMITH.

Craig, what an awesome job! More importantly, I took notes to apply in my life. Destiny Awaits You, Annette Ford

Craig, you rocked the house! Continue on, value your goals as gold; they are NOT for Sale. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Anita Jefferson; Decatur, GA

Hi Craig, it was great attending your speech this past Saturday. I learn more from you in the span of 10 minutes than some books I’ve read. I’m currently working to make a successful transition from my current role in project management /technology area within Freddie Mac, to a partnership sales role in the technology area…Have a pleasant travels in Arkansas, and I look forward to chatting with you soon. Michelle

Craig, I just left the Fall Conference and I must say you made the day for me. What a pleasure to hear you and to have an opportunity to meet you. Thank you for a wonderful learning experience. Louise Keto Mokone

Hello, Craig. I attended your speaking engagement this afternoon at BNA. I am Kimberly Fletcher, a BNA employee. Thank you for such a motivating speech. You pumped me up, today!! Sincerely, Kim Fletcher

Craig, thank you again for speaking at our club. You were out of this world! I can’t tell you how many phone calls and emails I received about your presentation. Please let me know when you are in DC again I will treat you to a lunch. Take care. Margie Cowles; Bureau of National Affairs
Hello Mr. Valentine; I wanted to share with you how you have touched yet another life. I have started an Image Consulting business and opportunities are coming from everywhere. I was told that someone had 4 new clients for me today and I started to back away from the opportunity. And then I heard your speech. You motivated me to press forward and DO IT!!! So I did—I came back to my office and called the contacts and I am off of GET SET street AND I am well into GO. Thank you for jump starting my motor!!!!! Andrea Rawls; President and CEO; Image of Excellence

Hello Craig. Outstanding presentation last weekend at Toastmaster’s District 47 conference. Both of your speeches were excellent motivational tools for me. Your CD’s have provided me with the guidance I have been searching for towards making better speeches and presentations. I admire your success, particularly because of the similar backgrounds we share. It is always very uplifiting to see individuals like myself succeed. Your success is an inspiration to me and all who aspire to do more with their lives. Harry Looknanan Jr.

Craig, I enjoyed your presentation so much–your inspiration, your wisdom and your humor…your connection with the audience was outstanding. Without a doubt, you have all that it takes to go to the top in professional speaking! Your words were inspiring and your message was right on the mark, particularly your comments about how many people are stuck on “Get Set” and just don’t “Go.” Magicians say, “Always leave them wanting more.” Well, you worked your magic, because all of us wanted to hear more of your message. Best wishes for great success. Allan Misch; Systems Technical Manager Training Coordinator; Systems Training Branch; Social Security Administration

Craig, you have no idea what impact your speech had on these guys. You are mentioned in practically every meeting. One member, Buzz, you may remember him from being in a wheelchair (and walked to the lectern with crutches) gave a speech today. He has always struggled with ahs, nervousness, and not being that prepared. He gave speech #7 today and it was about how he became crippled. We all knew he had been shot by the police, but never knew the circumstances. That’s what the speech was about. I won’t go into the details, but he revealed that he was a convicted felon, was carrying a gun when stopped by the police and he decided to run from the police and was shot. That was in 1989. He has been in prison ever since. He told about how he has dreamed every day about killing that police officer’s family and then that officer. That’s what he lived for. Then he said there were two dates that he would always remember – dates that changed his life forever – the day he was shot and the day he heard you speak. Your story about no one being killed by a snake bite, but always by the venom, is what made him realize all the hatred he was carrying around inside – every day since 1989. Then he decided to forgive the man who shot him and what peace it brought him. We were all truly moved, and gave him a genuine standing ovation. Jessup Prison’s Pre-Release Unit

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Appreciate, Celebrate, and Motivate (Designed for Employee Recognition Events)

How do you go about deciding to bring in the right person to energize, entertain, and excite your employees during your employee appreciation event? If you could have the perfect speaker for your function, what would he or she be like?

The Way of the Champions: 4 Keys to Mastering Change

If you want to spark your environment into one of embracing change,
taking ownership, and committing to higher levels of excellence through
continous improvement, The 4 Keys to Mastering Change is the program
for you.

The Way of the Champions: 5 Tools of a Triumphant Team!
T
he difference-makers are the 5 tools your team will pick up from Craig
Valentine in this invaluable program. Your team will never be the same!

How to Master Storytelling for Better Selling

What is the absolute most important skill you need in sales? It is the ability to tell your story and sell your message. This is due to the following truth:

“When people buy into your story, they buy into your message. When they buy into your message, you can consider your products and services as sold.”

The Nuts and Bolts of Management: from Overwhelmed to OVERJOYED!

As a manager, are you OVERWHELMED? How can we ask this without even meeting you?
Because everywhere we travel and train managers around the world, it is
the same story of “too much to do with too little time, too little cooperation, too little support, too little ownership, too little…” The only things they usually have too much of are stress, frustration,
anxieties, mistakes, and pressure from above, below, and on all sides.
NEVER FEEL OVERWHELMED AGAIN!
Fortunately there is a place you can go to rapidly and completely transform your
entire environment into having one fulfilling, highly-energetic,
extremely productive, goal-smashing, stress-free, proactive,
forward-thinking, masterful day after another.

The Nuts and Bolts of Remarkable Leadership

Leadership is an art and this workshop will give you all the tools you need to become the picture-perfect leader. Click the “More Information” link below and see what your team will gain.
More Information

The Nuts and Bolts of Selling – 7-Step Breakthrough System!

Are you Leaving Profits on the Table?
Where will all the marketing, business planning, mission statements, company values, training programs, internal communications systems, technical skills, and hopes and dreams take your company? The answer is…NOWHERE if your Sales Professionals cannot sell.