I am a business coach and mentor. Sometimes, I feel that for every meeting I go to, I have to leave my client motivated, inspired, driven towards their next set of goals.

How I do this…..well that clearly depends on the individual situation. That is my skill set. Yet, compare that to what happened yesterday.

For 15 million Jews around the world, it is the holiest day of the year. Yom Kippur, known as the Day of Atonement, where the individual is supposed to venture into Synagogue and pray that they deliver true and meaningful forgiveness. And to aid them along the way, the rabbi will give a sermon that motivates them into such a process of anguish.

That is the theory at least.

Yet again yesterday, I was faced with such sermons. To be honest, I was disappointed. Long and predictable. No umphh! I briefly spoke to others who had visit different houses of prayer. They felt similar. Why is it that the professionals miss out, and so often?

Let’s face it. There is so much advice out there. For example, here is an inspiring message for the theme of Yom Kippur. Falling and failing are neither the hard part nor the main issue. What you need to remember is…..(open the video link)

And in general? There is plenty of stuff from the movies, which can apply to all of us. Al Pacino’s team talk is a favourite for many from “Any Given Sunday”. For those who like rugby (and are not afraid of some strong language), you can listen to Scott Quinnell on the “Team of Hard Knocks“.

And perhaps one of the best guides to how to inspire is the Ted Talk by Simon Sinek. In 20 minutes, he eloquently lays out how the great are the ones who can inspire and he shows how they do it.

Friends – always remember who your audience is. When you are trying to sell them something – a product, a service, a message of faith – understand what makes them tick. Then find the language that will appeal to them, and not just to yourself.