The Best Movie Line Ever Told

If you don't recognize the photo, Inigo Montoya is the fictional character played by the great Mandy Patinkin, in The Prince's Bride. He is a secondary character but has a clear goal from the beginning, to get revenge for the death of his father at the hands of the six-fingered man Count Rugen. Domingo, his father was a great swordsmith who avoided dealing with the rich and powerful, because he disliked them. On seeing the crime, Inigo, 11, challenged Rugen to a fight. Rugen disarmed Inigo in under a minute but was truly amazed by his skill at fencing. Rugen spared his life but left two scars on his cheeks.

Having formed the same dislike for the rich and privileged as his father and now looking for vengeance, he had clear goals for his life. He practiced the art of fencing by becoming a "Wizard" (a fictional rank from the movie above "master"). In one scene he stands in front of Count Rugen and proclaims the best line ever said.

(With a thick Basques accent)

"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

Even after he gets mortally wounded, he repeats the line. He keeps fighting Count Rugen and repeating the line until he wins the fight. Killing Rugen and ending with "I want my father back, you son of a b$t*h," as he kills the Count. Why is this the best line ever told?

First, let's talk about the character. There was a goal for Indigo. Although I didn't prescribe to the goal of revenge, it was clear. As a fencer, he worked hard, earned the “wizard” ranking, and followed his goal to the end. The only way to become a "wizard" at sales is to train every day and dedicate time to the skill. We need to dissect this line to understand why it is the best line ever said and why every salesperson should memorize it.

"Hello," he said kindly, even to the murderer of his father. Our first interaction with a potential customer should be cordial, with a smile, and with a positive outlook. Standing up from your chair while making calls, so that potential customers can feel that energy, is a great way to make sure you never lose that energy you need from the beginning.

"I am Inigo Montoya." Always be upfront and tell people who you are and whom you represent. The fact that he mentions both his first and last name is important. The inclusion of his last name signifies a reference to his family and father. Spanish culture views your last name as a reflection of your heritage, where you came from, and your legacy. Our potential customers need to understand not just who we are, but what we represent.??

"You killed my father." At his moment Indigo explains to the Count the reason he is there. Some of us forget when selling that we need to give a reason for being there to the customer. As a result, we get the famous line "I am just looking". Moreover, why many potential customers don't see the importance of having a salesperson.

The Indigo is making his intentions very clear by saying, "Prepare to die". A salesperson's worst mistake is not being clear about his intentions with the customer. To build trust quickly with a potential customer, his expectations must be clear from the beginning. Like my friend Bobby Moody commented; "Prepare to die" is a statement and not a question. He was certain for "a reason". He won long before the battle. Winning is done when no one is looking. Winning is done in preparation and planning. Once the fireworks start, enjoy them because the work was put in and that is part of the reward.

1- Be courteous and introduce yourself with: "Hello."

2- Identify yourself and your company: "My name is Inigo Montoya."

3- Explain why you are talking to them: "You killed my father."

4- Provide clear expectations: "Prepare to die."

This line should be memorized by salespeople and made their own. Repeat it despite the potential customer stabbing them time and time again with rejection. It can only end when you can say "I want my father back, you son of a b$t*h," which is your clear goal.??