I need to deliver a motivational speech to 50 Sales staff, The speech should last approx 5 minutes. Has anyone any stories that I could use to inspire and motivate my team to go out and achieve their targets.

Well my boss had a good way of doing it, there are 50 of you now, next week there will only be 48, the two with the worst sales will be fired,

Of course the idea that one has to believe in their product, does the sales staff if possible own or use the product that they sell, if they don't, they will never fully be good at selling that product if they are not "sold" thierself.

The cowboy in the old west used to work for a ranch, that ranch was known by its brand, so a cowboy rode for a brand, in that he had to be true to that brand, he represented it no matter where he was, he owed them a responsibility of honesty and hard work, esp because for weeks at a time they may be by thierself on the range.
So you are always true to your brand

There is an old story which you may have heard before however I have always used it to motivate.

"In ancient times their were many wars, much was at stake every time they battled. On one particular occasion the scene was set; the two massive armies were in place waiting to do battle. On a hill, overlooking the battlefield was the King of one of the armies. He was preparing to fight; he had his squires scurrying around helping him get his armor on, getting his horse ready, getting him his sword and spear, etc.

Just as he was being helped unto his great steed one of his squires came running up to him and said: "your majesty, some one wants to speak to you about you buying something!"
The King lost control, screaming at the squire he said "what is wrong with you, can't you see I am about to lead my army to a battle that will cost a lot of lives and will define our kingdom, I cannot believe that you are so stupid! "

The young squire ran back to the salesperson and told what the King had said. Disappointed the salesperson packed up his machine gun and left.

Moral: Don't give up! Find another way! Believe in what you're selling! Find an opening line that will create curiosity and possibly satisfy a need. "Do you really want to win this battle?"

Stringer