25 Cold Calling Scripts + Tips & Best Practices to Win More Clients! 

Here’s a question that still haunts many – “Is cold calling still effective?” 

Well: 

• For high-value solutions, 6 out of 10 buyers would rather be reached by phone than via email. 

• 69% of B2B buyers have taken cold calls from new providers. 

• Following a series of cold calls, 82% of buyers report that they have agreed to meetings. 

• The highest conversion rates are found among representatives who make at least 60 calls every day. 

The above statistics show that cold calls are indeed still effective. But how do you go about the process? What should you say? When should you make these calls? This blog will answer it all for you and give you some ready-to-use cold calling scripts too! Read on.  

When Is the Best Time to Make Cold Calls? 

Let’s take an example. Sales rep A has been calling a client every Monday and receives no response. In contrast, Sales rep B has been calling the same client every Wednesday. Sales rep B manages to receive confirmation for a demo meeting in the coming week. 

Now, most of us realize that the only variable that changes is the weekday. You may think the day and time for the phone call is inconsequential, but it makes a significant difference. The best time to schedule cold calls is between 4:00-6:00 p.m. on a Wednesday or Thursday. Conversely, the worst time to call is between 6:00 a.m. and noon on a Monday. 

Now, how do you begin? 

Building Blocks of a Structured Cold Calling Script 

Cold calling isn’t about winging it and hoping for the best. The most successful cold calls follow a clear, well-structured format that keeps both you and your prospects on track. Here’s what every effective cold calling script should include: 

• Brief Introduction: Open with who you are and which company you represent. Keep this part crisp—no need to launch into a biography. 

• Personalized Opener: A touch of personalization goes a long way. Whether it’s mentioning a mutual contact or a recent piece of news about their company, a little effort here signals you’ve done your homework. 

• Clear Purpose: State exactly why you’re calling. Customers appreciate transparency, so lay out your intent right away. 

• Value Proposition: In a sentence or two, explain the benefits of your solution, referencing any notable companies you’ve helped or concrete results you’ve achieved. Make it clear why your offering stands out. 

• Engaging Questions: Prompt the prospect with thoughtful questions to gauge their interest and pain points. This shows you’re not just rattling off a script—you’re interested in their needs. 

• Call-to-Action: Wrap up with the next step, whether that’s scheduling a demo, arranging a follow-up call, or sending additional information. Make the desired action easy and specific. 

By incorporating these elements, your cold calls will feel less intrusive and much more conversational—dramatically increasing your odds of success. 

Cold calling requires an impressive amount of grit and patience to succeed. But they also provide some of the best training for newly onboarded sales reps.  

Here are some of the most effective cold calling scripts to help boost your sales:

25 Best Cold Calling Scripts for Different Scenarios

1. Introductory Cold Calling Scripts

The biggest barrier in most conversations is not listening properly. Customers want to feel heard. 

Script 1:

Sales reps face a lot of rejections during cold calls. People hanging up on you can be disheartening. But this is how you find people who’d be genuinely interested in your product/service. However, if the prospect says they are busy, respect their time and ask for a suitable time to communicate further. You can modify and use the following script: 

You: Hello, my name is Dan, and I’m from the Sales Institute. Is this a good time to call?  
 
Mary: No, I’m busy right now. 
 
You: Oh, thank you for letting me know. What would be a better time to call you? 
 
Mary: You can call me at 2 tomorrow. 
 
You: Sure, I’ll catch up with you then, have a nice day! 

Note that you’ve just committed to calling the person at a specific time and date. So, you must set a reminder for that.  

But imagine if you call tens of prospects every day and most of them ask you to call later. How do you manage reminders and, more importantly, context?  

To resolve this challenge, you can use CRM software that lets you enter the call disposition easily. For instance, LeadSquared lets you do it while calling. The software also sends automated reminders and notifications for the follow-up calls so that you don’t miss the chance to talk to prospects.  

Script 2:

Be prepared if the prospect is ready to talk.

Tip: Whenever you call your prospect, ask how they are. It gives you more context to assess if it’s a good time to talk. Calls that incorporated the phrase “How have you been?” had a 6.6 times higher success rate than a cold call without it. Use the following script on your next cold call. 

You: Hi, I’m Dan, from the Sales Institute. Is this a good time to talk? 
 
Mary: Yes, go ahead.  
 
You: How have you been? We at the Sales Institute offer an array of sales solutions that enable reps to sell remotely worldwide. Is that something you’d like to know more about? 
 
Mary: Sure, that sounds interesting. 
 
You: Your remote sales staff can effortlessly connect with a customer within Sales Institute. Our solution helps replicate the in-person sales journey. We offer capabilities like co-browsing, video calls, documentation, and e-signing. Are you currently facing any issues related to selling effectively?  
 
Mary: Yes, we’re a growing team which makes connectivity increasingly challenging. I’d like to know more.  

Once your prospect responds with a yes, you can enquire further if they use a competitor’s product. If they’re satisfied with their current product, move on. If not, try to negotiate for a demo and follow up soon after. 

2. Establishing a connection

If you have the time to spare, investigate your prospect’s’ social profiles. For instance, LinkedIn. Find out what groups they belong to and join them if possible. If you’re already in the same group as them, it’s even better. When you start a cold call with “I understand we’re members of the same LinkedIn group.” Your chances of getting an appointment/meeting increase by 70%. Anything you have in common with your prospects is a conversation starter. Follow this script during these situations: 

Script 3:

You: Hi Mary, is this a good time to talk? 
 
Mary: Umm, yes. 
 
You: I’m Dan from ABC Company, and we sell tools to help boost productivity levels. I noticed that we’re members of the same LinkedIn group. I saw your latest post on how employees feel higher levels of stress when working from home. Our mission is to reduce such issues and increase productivity. Would you like to know more?  
 
Mary: Yes, tell me more/ Yes, I’d like to schedule a call when I have more time to spare. 
 
You: Great! [Insert sales pitch and ask questions about the specific challenges they face. Offer solutions that help overcome their challenges]. Let me know what time works for you and I can schedule a demo. 
 
Mary: How about tomorrow evening? 
 
You: Sure, thank you for your time. I hope we’ve been able to help take some of that stress off your mind. Have a great day! 

Doing the slightest amount of research about the person on the other end can give you an added edge. So, next time, look out for your prospects on social media before calling.  

Another great way to establish a connection with your prospects is to utilize the recent news. 

A product launch, an event, a promotion, an investment: All give you the chance to sell. Even if you don’t make a sale, it can still have an impact on your follow-up calls and influence their decisions.  

Every salesperson uses some or other ingratiation techniques while selling. So, when your customer gets great news, congratulate them on their accomplishment. Use this script in these scenarios.  

Script 4:

You: Hey Mary! Congratulations on your promotion! I found out about your achievement on LinkedIn and was happy to see your post. I also noticed that you would greatly benefit from our XYZ product and increase revenue on your end. Let me know if you’re interested in getting a demo or a free trial. We’d love to have you on our list of accomplished customers, which includes A, B, and C companies in your industry.  
 
Mary: Thank you, but I’m not interested. / Thank you and sure let’s schedule a demo for Tuesday.  
 
You: No issues, congrats again! Have a nice day / Great! I’ll see you then. Congrats again! 

The selling point of the above script is attention to detail. You know they recently accomplished something, and you know what can make that better. Mentioning customer names of companies within the same industry adds social proof. The best part is that you know when to stop. However, ingratiation can cause more harm than good if you overdo it and seem pushy or distasteful. 

3. Researching before calling

A prospective company website can give you the perfect conversation starter. It can help you gauge their company’s needs and offerings. If you can spot areas of improvement that your product can help with, you can even personalize your offer. For instance, follow this script to effortlessly sell to a prospect.

Script 5:

You: Hey Mary! I came across your company’s website and was thoroughly impressed by its design. But I also noticed that you aren’t using any live chat or chatbot — is there a reason for that? 

Mary: Yeah, we don’t have the funds for many of the tools in the market, and I don’t think it’s of any significance. 

You: I understand. What if I told you that there’s a cost-effective and increasingly important option? 

Mary: Okay, tell me more about it. 

You: XYZ is a chatbot and live chat tool that helps you engage website visitors instantly. It offers both free and paid versions. Are you okay with potential customers leaving your site without asking questions just because there’s no quick way to reach you? 

Mary: Hmm, I hadn’t thought about that. Most people just use the contact form. 

You: Exactly — but today, many people expect instant replies. Having a chatbot means they can get answers 24/7, and live chat lets you talk to hot leads right when they’re interested. Plus, it saves time on repetitive questions. We offer a free trial, and paid plans are flexible. 

Mary: That’s true. I’d like to know more about your product before making any decision though. 

You: Of course! Can I book an appointment with you for tomorrow at 4:00 PM? 

Mary: Yes, that works. 

You: Awesome! I’ll add that to my schedule. Talk to you then — take care! 

The selling point of this script is the line where you ask about their customer preferences. The more questions you ask about their company, the better you’ll be able to help them. The second aspect that persuades the buyer is the fact that you aren’t trying to make them change their minds. Instead, you’re offering different options while respecting their preferences. If you tried convincing them against manual documentation, you’d push them away. By accepting their needs, you gain their respect as well.  

4. Speaking the prospect’s language

When you’re selling to your prospect, try to personalize the offer as much as possible. Personalization can be something as minor as speaking in their native language. If possible, use a CRM that helps distribute leads to your reps according to your chosen criteria. Be it language, region, institution, or workplace, try to match at least some of their attributes.  

A simple analogy to explain why this works is friendship and finding things in common. Most of us bond over similarities and feel connected to people who share the same likes and beliefs. We recommend shows and receive recommendations that we watch and have conversations about. Follow this script when you’re cold calling people you share similarities with:  

Script 6:

You: Hey Mary! I am K calling from ABC. How are you? I realized that we’re both from Mizoram. Would you prefer if I speak in Mizo or English? 
 
Mary: Oh, Mizo would be okay. 
 
You: Great! [speaking in Mizo] I was wondering if your company used ABC products? I thought you’d benefit from the ABC product because your company sells XYZ products. ABC can help increase the efficiency of XYZ when you use it online. 
 
Mary: Oh, okay, I’d like to know more about ABC’s features. 
 
You: Sure! I can schedule a demo or, you can take a free trial of ABC to gain an understanding of our product. 
 
Mary: I’ll take the trial/demo. 
 
You: Awesome! I’ll share the details with you, have a great day.  

Any conversation in our native language is more comfortable than a second language. It creates a sense of cultural connectivity and deepens a sense of togetherness. Most sales reps struggle to get past the “us against them” phenomenon. But finding the common ground of language can make you far more approachable and less threatening. It breaks down many barriers and makes it far easier to sell. 

5. Cold calling script that uses referrals

A simple method to gain your prospect’s time is by mentioning a friend. Most people feel less annoyed when they find out you’re calling them through a friend. Keeping the friend as the point of contact ensures that they feel at ease during and after the conversation. It gives them a reason to trust you and increases the level of persuasion.  

The following script is a fairly straightforward pitch that uses the benefit of having a referral:  

Script 7:

You: Hi Mary! How have you been? James told me about your company and the amazing product you’re selling. Our ABC feature can help track your growing client base in an efficient and organized way. Are you currently facing any challenges regarding customer behavior tracking? 
 
Mary: We don’t have any specific system in place that does that. So, I’m not entirely sure about it. 
 
You: That’s completely fine, no worries. I’ll explain the features and benefits of installing such a system. [Explain and insert your product pitch here.] Our customers also include companies D, E, and F. If you want further information, you can reach out to James. He’ll fill you in on how his company benefited from using our product.  
 
Mary: Sure, I’ll look into it. 

This template does multiple things well. The first being the fact that you have brought up a mutual friend in the introduction. Second, you have given examples of organizations that are your current customers. Finally, you’ve brought up the friend as a point of contact if the prospect wants more advice.  

Referral Incentives That Make an Impact 

If you want to maximize your referral cold calls, offering attractive incentives can go a long way. When a prospect hears there’s something in it for both them and their friend, they’re much more likely to get involved. 

Here are some effective incentives to use for referrals during your cold calls: 

• Extended Free Trials: Offer your current customers’ referrals an extra month (or more) of your product or service, giving them plenty of time to see the benefits before committing. 

• Discounts for Both Parties: Provide a percentage off the monthly subscription—or a set dollar amount—for each successful referral to both your existing customer and their referred friend. 

• Exclusive Features or Upgrades: Unlock premium features, early access, or priority support to incentivize sharing. 

• Charity Donations: Appeal to the philanthropically minded by offering a donation to a charity of the referrer’s choice for every qualified lead they bring in. 

The key is to personalize incentives to fit your customers and make sure both existing users and their friends feel appreciated. When people know their connections will benefit and their loyalty is recognized, they’re far more likely to spread the word happily. 

6. Follow-up Scripts

Let’s look at an analogy that works along the same lines as follow-up calls. If you listen to a song on the radio randomly, you may forget it soon enough if it wasn’t your style. But this changes if you hear it multiple times, and by the 6th or 7th time, you’re hooked on the song.  

This method of increasing familiarity derives from what is known as the “Wundt curve”. This means a stimulus becomes more gratifying as it becomes more familiar. You can apply the same theory to follow-up calls. The more familiar you sound, the better the chances of conversation going further.  

But here’s the reality: you’re not always going to catch your prospect at the perfect moment. Maybe they’re genuinely busy, maybe they’re dodging calls like a ninja, or maybe your number just isn’t on their priority playlist yet. That’s where strategic, thoughtful follow-ups come in. The trick is to become a familiar name, not a persistent nuisance. You want to be the catchy chorus, not the jarring ad break! 

Use this script for your next follow-up call: 

Script 8:

You: Hi Mary. Dan here. How are you doing? I was wondering if we could continue our previous conversation about XYZ if you’re up for it right now?  
 
Mary: No, I’m busy. 
 
You: I understand. But I’d genuinely like to help you get a great deal. It’ll take approximately 37 seconds, and I’ve timed myself because I know you’re a busy person! 
 
Mary: Next week, probably. 
 
You: Sure. Thanks for your time, Mary. 

If the prospect is willing to talk further, you can continue with your pitch and thank them for their time.

Why does this follow-up cold calling script work?

First, you’ve established a train of thought by connecting this call to previous calls. Second, you’ve shown your effort and respect for the prospect by saying that you timed your pitch. Finally, you know how to take a hint. The other aspect of the Wundt curve from above is the fact that every song has its limit. So don’t worry if this tune doesn’t work for them. It will work when you talk to someone else! 

Reminding your customer of a previous conversation is another great way to follow up. After the first call ends, take notes and continue taking notes for every subsequent call. The more notes you take, the more topics you have for the conversation. And it shows the buyer that you’re listening to their needs and making an effort to meet them where they’re at.    

Script 9:

You: Hi Mary! How has [the day] been treating you? Have you gotten through to your manager about the XYZ file you needed? I hope you did because I have the best deal for you right now and it would be great if you were free. 
 
Mary: Oh yes, I finally got the file. I’m free for a quick call. 
 
You: [Insert Your Pitch] 

If the prospect says no, you can follow the below script.

Script 10:

You: Oh, that’s too bad, I had a personalized offer in line for you. But I don’t want to interrupt your work. Is there a better time to talk? Or can we talk now? 
 
Mary: We can talk now/Call me at this time. 
 
You: Sounds great! 

This template shows your enthusiasm and perseverance to the prospect. Most of us are prone to the “reciprocity effect” and this works wonderfully in this scenario, by showing your prospect that you’re putting the effort into meeting them at their convenience. You create the need for them to respond with the same effort or at least acknowledge your diligence.  

Additional Follow-Up Techniques 

• Reference Your Previous Attempt: If you’ve already left a voicemail or sent an email, mention it briefly to increase familiarity. For example: 
  “Hi Mary, I left a message last week about XYZ and wanted to see if now’s a better time to connect.” 

• Hyper-personalize: Before calling, check your prospect’s recent LinkedIn activity, company news, or even previous pain points they’ve mentioned. Then, start your follow-up referencing something specific: 
  “I saw you posted about remote sales challenges—does that tie in with the solution we discussed last time?” 

• Offer Clear Next Steps: Keep your ask direct and actionable. Instead of a vague “let’s connect”, try: 
  “Would you like to schedule a 10-minute call to see how this can help with [specific challenge]?” 

7. Probing the prospect’s pain points

Making a pitch on the first call rarely takes your prospect’s’ needs into account. The fundamental reason to follow-up is to pitch your product/service once you’re aware of their challenges. That way you can personalize your pitch for the follow-up call and sell more confidently. For this, you must ask the prospect several questions and assess their pain points in your first few calls. Follow this script for your next call and follow up after you get the precise information. 

Script 11:

You: Hey Mary! How are you doing? I’m XYZ from ABC company and, I’m calling to understand whether we can help your company in the marketing automation space. Your product feels like the perfect fit for some of our solutions. But I’d first like to know what challenges you face on a day-to-day basis. Even if you don’t face any pressing issues, give me an idea of a day in your life at work.  
 
Mary: Sure. We face issues in areas A, B, and C on most days/A day in my life at work consists of…. 
 
You: Alright. Can you give examples of how your products have helped overcome A, B, and C challenges?   

Listen attentively, ask more questions, and try to find an area that could use your product. 

Once you gather sufficient information, draw up an irresistible deal. Then schedule a meeting or make your pitch on a call. Use this script once you reach this point. 

Script 12:

You: Hey Mary. After our first few calls, I found the perfect solution for your needs. [Insert product pitch with personalized solutions.] This deal is completely customized to help you overcome A, B, and C challenges, and you won’t find it elsewhere. Do you have any other questions for me? Can we schedule a demo or trial meeting when you’re free?  
 
Mary: Sure, let’s schedule a meeting/Can I get back to you in some time? 
 
You: Great! Does this time work? / Yes, of course, I’ll schedule it once you’re ready. 

The above pitch is hyper-personalized to your prospect’s needs. It’s an offer only you have given, which makes it all the more difficult to resist. It’s based on the scarcity technique, which puts pressure on buyers to purchase because the product is in limited supply. This isn’t a generic pitch, and, we tend to place more value on rare things. You can rest assured that even if they don’t buy, you’ve done your best in trying to convince them to do so. 

Probing Questions to Try: 

• What are the biggest challenges you’re facing in your role right now? 

• Which tools or processes are you currently using to address [problem area]? 

• What would make your day-to-day workflow smoother? 

• Can you share a recent example where things didn’t go as planned? 

By tailoring your follow-up questions, you not only enrich your understanding of the prospect’s needs but also show your commitment to helping rather than just selling. 

8. Offering a benefit

The easiest way to keep a prospect engaged is by giving them content when calling. If you find an article, e-book, video, or whitepaper that relates to your prospect’s interest, send it. Even better, if your company has a content team, get pieces that will help develop an interest in the product and are informative for your lead. You can send it across during a call or before and then follow up on the content you’ve sent. Use this script when you have relevant, specific content for your prospect. 

Script 13:

You: Hi Mary. I found this exciting article about social selling, and it gives research-backed insights for winning customers in remote sales. Your latest post on LinkedIn is fully answered by this blog post, and I thought of you when I spotted it. 
 
Mary: Yes, do send it across to my email. I’ll read it when I find the time. 
 
You: Sure, it’s on its way to your inbox, have a great day! 

Note, if they say that they’re not interested, don’t push them for it. Remember, your goal from that phone call was to establish a connection by helping the prospect with something relevant.  

However, if they seem interested in your offer, follow up after some time. You can continue the conversation using the following script. 

Script 14: 

You: Hey Mary! Have you had the chance to skim through the article?  
 
Mary: No, not yet. / Yes! It was truly informative, and I got some clarity in terms of overcoming some issues at work. / Yes, but it didn’t relate to me as much as I expected. 
 
You: Oh, that’s alright. I’ll give you a call when you do. / I’m glad it was helpful. Would you like to schedule an appointment and discuss further? / Oh, I understand. What exactly do you think was not related to your company?  

In this manner, you can help increase interest and interactions that draw you closer to making a sale. Content can help initiate conversations so, try creating your own to help push a lead down the sales funnel faster.  

Multi-Channel Follow-Up Tip 

Don’t be afraid to reference emails you’ve sent, or to follow up via a different channel. For example: 
“Hi Mary, I sent that article to your inbox yesterday—just wanted to check if you had a chance to look it over and if there’s anything more I can help with.” 

9. Establishing trust

Look back at every advertisement about toothpaste and, the repeated word is “Expert.” Expert sources evoke deeper processing of persuasive messages than nonexpert sources. If an expert endorses a product or service, it’s bound to be good. It gives your product credibility and social proof, which can help improve conversions. Use the expert opinion in your next call with this template.   

Script 15:

You: Hey Mary! How are you today? I wanted to reach out to you and connect you to the experts on our ABC team. They stated that the XYZ tool you’re currently operating is out of use in most upcoming agencies. There’s further research showing data [Insert relevant datapoints] against the use of XYZ. They found it reduced productivity and creativity levels. Would you like to see the research paper/speak to the experts? 

Mary: Is that true? Can you connect me to the members of your ABC team? I’d like to know more. / I don’t have time for a call but do send the research paper across. 

If they say yes, use the following script.

Script 16:

You: Of course, [Mention their number] – here are their contact details. You can reach out to them between these hours.  
 
Mary: Thank you.  
 
OR
 
You: Sure, I’ve mailed the research paper to your ID. Let me know if you’d like me to schedule a call after? 
 
Mary: Yes, I’m free at 2:00 PM tomorrow.  
 
You: Great! I’ll schedule a meeting with one of the members of the ABC as well. You can ask them questions about the technical aspects of the product.  

Clear call-to-action and research make this a great template. The paper itself provides strong credibility to your opinion. Any relevant statistics, data, or research publication that merits your product is vital in a pitch. 

Social Proof & Trust-Building Reminders 

• Reference well-known organizations or clients you’ve worked with. 

• Offer to connect your prospect with a current customer for a reference call. 

• Cite recent awards, third-party reviews, or data-backed results. 

10. Raising curiosity

Imagine this, I take you to my favorite cafe, and we’re perusing the menu. As a first-time diner, you’ll want my recommendations and typically order what I say is good. Whereas, I’m a regular customer who has had the chance to taste different desserts. I realize that there’s a new dessert option on the menu and order it instantly because I’ve never tried it before.  

You can apply this word across industries and notice that “new” adds novelty and interest. What’s more interesting about this is that it works best on those you’ve called before. Telling someone about a “new” feature on the first call carries little to no impact. The product itself will likely be new to them unless they’re using a competing product. The novelty strategy only works if your prospect knows about your product/service. Use this template when you launch a new feature or offer new products: 

Script 17: 

You: Hey Mary! We just launched the XYZ feature. I wanted to let you know first because you’ve mentioned this feature in passing. Would you like to know more about XYZ right away, or should I schedule a meeting? 
 
Mary: Sure, tell me more. / I’d prefer a meeting scheduled for the evening today. / I’m not interested in the XYZ feature. 

If the prospect says they’re interested, you can either schedule a meeting or pitch your product/service during the call. However, if they say no, use the following script: 

Script 18: 

You: Are you sure Mary? This feature can help you overcome ABC challenges at a rapid pace. We’re one of the few organizations to offer the XYZ feature. 
 
Mary: Okay, I’ll think about it, and we can talk when I’m free.  
 
You: Sure, please take your time! Do let me know when I can call.  

If they say that they’re still not interested, just thank them for their time and reach out to them on some other occasion.  

The above script works because not only have you given them the first call, but you’ve also known that they mentioned this feature. This pitch has great chances for conversion due to the novelty and call to action.  

Now, let’s look at another way to raise buyers’ curiosity during the cold call.  

One of the most dreamy and persuasive words is “imagine.”  

We don’t need to personally experience something to feel it. And if you can get people to feel something, you can get them to act. So, on your next call, draw the prospect in with your imaginary scenario to make a sale.  

Script 19:

You: Hi Mary! How’ve you been? I recently came across a post about how different things would be if we didn’t have cell phones. Imagine how difficult life would be without this small communication device for people worldwide. Our product ensures that you’ll never have to live without it in reality. If you’re free sometime, would you like to schedule a call to see how our product can make a difference? 
 
Mary: Sure, call at 5:00 PM today. 
 
You: Great, see you then.  

This script gives you the opportunity to show what the prospect is missing in their lives. It pushes them to process how your product could help improve their day.   

11. Offering freebies 

Any discount, free features, or a free trial can cause much faster conversions. Dan Ariely’s book Predictably Irrational gives a great explanation for this thought process. He examined the purchasing habits by making a group choose between chocolates. The first was Lindt truffles priced at 15 cents each and a Hershey’s kiss at 1 cent. 

A majority chose the truffles due to their taste and significantly discounted price. But when he lowered the cost of both chocolates by 1 cent, Hershey’s kisses became free of cost. And guess what? Suddenly 69% of the participants chose Hershey’s kiss over Lindt for one simple reason. Free is exactly that, free. So, whenever you can give something for free, even if it doesn’t feel significant, do it. Use this script in these scenarios. 

Script 20:

You: Hey Mary! How have you been? I’m calling to tell you about our new free trial opportunity for this month. I can send the link to you right now if you’d like?  
 
Mary: Sure, send it across. 

If you’re wondering why we haven’t given a script for when they say no, it’s only because there’s a high chance they won’t. If they do say no, ask why. And if there’s no other reason than that, they won’t use it. Move on.  

By combining familiar persistence, genuine curiosity, hyper-personalization, and a dash of generosity, your follow-up calls will hit all the right notes—turning your name from just another caller into a welcome encore. 

12. Voicemail sales scripts

Voicemails are an effective tool in cold-calling. There is a direct increase in response depending on the number of voicemails. Research shows that your chances of receiving a call back increase by 10% per voicemail. And another ZoomInfo paper found that leaving a single voicemail has a meager 4.8% call back rate. So, leave an average of 3 voicemails. If you do get a callback, you’ll know it was worth it. Try this voicemail sales script next time. 

Script 21:

“Hi, Mary. This is Dan from XYZ company. I was hoping to talk to you today about our ABC products. I saw that you signed up for a free trial, and I was wondering if you needed help with setting up your account? Let me know, and I’d love to help. You can reach me on the same number or send a mail at [your email id].” 

This simple voicemail conveys your intentions perfectly. It’s a great conversation opener and gives them a chance to reach you on different platforms. 

If your prospect has already spoken to you in the past but you haven’t gotten a response, follow up. If they aren’t able to answer your call immediately, follow up over voicemail. Follow-up calls are essential to closing most deals. Most buyers don’t have time when you call, but this doesn’t mean they aren’t interested. If you know that your product can make a difference, persistence is key. 

So, ensure that you follow up even if it’s over a voicemail. Use this script when following up over voicemails. 

Script 22:

“Hi, Mary! We spoke about ABC last week. I thought I’d see if now was a good time to reach out. To refresh your memory, we explored how the XYZ feature can help you accomplish your Q3 sales goals. I’d be happy to demonstrate how you can get these results. 

Are you interested in a call to learn more?” 

This follow-up voicemail script gives your prospect a good reason to respond and helps you get on a call when they listen to you. And if you’d like to follow up via email, here are some ready follow-up email templates that you can use, especially in case you don’t receive a response instantly. 

13. Getting past the gatekeeper

So far, we’ve mainly spoken about different scripts that can entice the listener. But what if you haven’t gotten the contact details of the decision-maker who you need to make a sale to? You may have the email address of their assistant, marketing team, or PR team. They can help you reach the right person if you can get past them. If you’re wondering how to do this, follow this script. 

Script 23:

“Hello, I’m Dan with XYZ company. I was hoping you could help me. I checked your company’s LinkedIn profile for your name but couldn’t find it. Are you the one who generally answers the phone? Before I asked for your guidance, I’d feel a lot better if I knew your name.” 

Once you get the gatekeeper’s name, express gratitude for their assistance. Ask them how they think you can approach the decision-maker and what would be the appropriate time to do it. This is a common hurdle, and you can effortlessly move past it if you’re cordial and appreciative.

14. Cold calling scripts to handle rejections

A common way of rejecting a sales rep is by stating that one has no time to talk. In these scenarios, you can do one of the two things.  

1. Persist and try to get some time but continue to drag the conversation. 

2. Offer them a deadline and move on if they’re unable to meet them. 

Here’s how you can try to keep the conversation going. 

Script 24:

You: I understand this may not be your top priority right now. Or maybe you don’t see the value. Still, I request two minutes of your time, and I promise you’ll be clear about whether or not this is a good use of your time. Many of our customers had similar objections. But when they saw our product capabilities in action, they were thrilled. 

If you’ve always called the person over six times, it’s better to move on. There’s no point in trying to continue on a path that takes you nowhere. Instead, make them a final offer, and if they’re still not interested, you can call the next lead on your CRM. 

However, be polite during the conversation. After all, it was you who called them (multiple times) to know their interest in your product or service. You can use the following script to get a decisive answer from your prospect: 

Script 25:

You: Hey Mary! I wanted to know if you were still interested in our offer. I thought it would be best to ask you what you’d like me to do as our next step.  
 
Mary: I’d like to schedule a demo. / I’m not interested in the offer. 

According to their answer, you can plan your next move.

Also, watch Dan Lok’s techniques to handle rejections while cold calling. 

Common Objections and How to Tackle Them 

Handling objections is an art every cold caller needs to master. The more calls you make, the more patterns you’ll start to notice in each objection. Here are some of the most common ones and ways to respond: 

• “I don’t have time to talk”: The prospect just wants to get you off the phone. Instead of giving up, ask, “Is there a better time for a quick three-minute call?”. By suggesting a short timeframe, you lower the barrier and make it easier for them to commit. 

• “Let’s talk in a month”: Sometimes, prospects delay because they need to consult with others. In this case, try: “Could you share who else will be involved in the decision? Would it help if I joined that conversation, or is there anything specific I should bring along when we reconnect?” 

• “Send an email”: This classic brush-off can still open doors. Ask, “Absolutely, what information would you like me to include in the email?” Follow up by slipping in a few qualifying questions to get them invested in the conversation. 

If a prospect asks for more information, it often means you’re not yet a priority. Start with a simple request, like asking for their email address. Once they’ve given you something small, follow up with a relevant question. For example, “What does your current system look like?” or “What are the biggest challenges your team is facing right now?” 

As the conversation progresses, listen closely and ask thoughtful follow-up questions based on their responses. People generally enjoy talking about their work and challenges, so use that to build rapport rather than pushing for a hard sell. 

Finally, always aim to close. Acknowledge their objection (“I know you’re busy”) but try to secure a firm appointment. Tie their pain points to your value proposition and explain how you can help. If they still refuse to engage, thank them for their time and move forward—there are always new leads waiting. 

By preparing for these common objections and responding with respect and strategy, you’ll turn more rejections into opportunities—or at the very least, leave every prospect with a positive impression of your approach and company. 

Focus on Value, Not Checklists 

During objection handling, it’s tempting to jump into standard qualification questions—asking about budgets, decision-makers, or timelines. But this often puts prospects on the defensive and makes your conversation feel more like an interrogation than a helpful discussion. 

Instead, use this opportunity to listen closely to their challenges and priorities. By focusing on what matters most to them, you’ll uncover insights that help you tailor your solution to their real needs. Avoiding traditional qualification checklists at this stage keeps the exchange conversational and supportive, showing that you’re truly there to help rather than just pushing them through a pipeline. This approach not only builds trust but also positions you as a problem-solver rather than a box-ticker, making it easier for prospects to engage with you honestly about their obstacles and goals. 

I hope the above scripts help you converse better with your prospects. Before we wrap up, here are a few points to make every single cold call effective. 

Effective Cold Calling Tips to Follow 

When you’re making cold calls for the first time, you’re bound to make mistakes, and that’s okay. But don’t go into it blindly because it’s your first time. Look into some of the best tips and tricks to a great cold call.  

Some must-do practices:  

• Make use of scripts but remember to be yourself on these calls. There is no need to speak robotically or like you’re reading a script, be natural and confident. Proven cold call scripts exist for a reason: they’re built on real-world results. Especially when you’re just starting out, it’s smart to stick closely to a tried-and-tested script. As you gain more experience and the conversation feels more natural, you’ll find your own rhythm and be able to adapt or improvise as needed. 

• Listen at all times. Take the time to genuinely hear your prospect out—this isn’t just about waiting for your turn to speak. The more you listen, the more you can pick up on subtle cues or pain points that they might not spell out directly. Don’t just stick to your script; instead, ask thoughtful follow-up questions based on what they share. People often appreciate the chance to talk about their goals or challenges, and by showing real interest, you build trust and keep the conversation flowing naturally. Listening actively can help you guide the call in a direction that’s meaningful for your prospect—and far more effective than a hard sell. 

• Make it about them. Don’t focus too much on yourself, your product, or your solution. Get prospects talking about their interests, their roles, and their challenges. Not only does this make them feel valued, but it also gives you the insight you need to tailor the conversation and offer real value. Bring up something personal they mentioned earlier—a favorite sports team, a recent project, or even their go-to coffee order. These little details create rapport and show you’re genuinely paying attention. 

• Offer solutions that solve their specific problems if possible. Generic products are less appealing when compared to personalized ones. Tailoring your approach shows you understand their business and care about their unique needs, making your offer far more compelling. 

• And finally, track, record, and follow-up on prospects persistently. 

Perfecting Your Script Using Feedback and Objections 

Improving your cold calling script is an ongoing process, much like perfecting any other skill. Here’s a simple approach to refining your pitch and addressing the roadblocks that come up during your calls: 

• Review each call for clues: After each conversation, take a moment to reflect. Where did you lose your prospect’s attention? Was there a particular objection that kept cropping up? Make a note of these sticking points. For example, you might notice that people frequently push back during the opening pitch or hesitate when you mention price. 

• Rework specific sections: Zero in on the exact part of your script that triggers objections. Tweak the language, test new ways of framing your value, or swap in alternate questions. Sometimes, offering a softer close—like suggesting a quick 10-minute chat instead of a full meeting—can move the conversation forward. 

• Test and track improvements: Don’t overhaul your entire script at once. Adjust one section at a time, then test out the new version on a handful of calls. Track whether you get further into conversations or encounter fewer objections. Keep iterating until that section flows smoothly for the majority of your calls. 

• Sharpen your questions: Open-ended questions are your best friend. Take a hard look at the ones you’re using—are they encouraging prospects to talk, or shutting them down? Strong questions not only keep the conversation going but also help you uncover true needs. 

• Listen, learn, repeat: If your phone system allows it, record your calls (with permission) and listen. You’ll catch nuances—like awkward pauses or rushed delivery—that are easy to miss in real time. Sometimes it’s not just what you say, but how you say it that counts. 

By routinely dialing into these steps, you’ll chip away at obstacles and shape a script that’s not just efficient, but genuinely effective. 

The Importance of Tone and Tonality in Cold Calling 

Let’s be honest—no one enjoys feeling like they’re talking to a robot reading from a script. In cold calling, how you say something can matter just as much as what you say. The secret sauce? Tone. 

Tone isn’t just about sounding enthusiastic (though a dash of energy helps). It’s about tuning into the person on the other end of the line and adjusting your approach. Imagine calling a potential client and hearing hesitation in their voice—this is your cue to slow down, use clearer language, and reassure them without coming off as pushy. On the flip side, if your prospect sounds rushed, keep your questions brief, focus on essentials, and respect their time. 

In short, successful cold calling means being a conversational chameleon. Match your energy with the person you’re speaking with. Good sales reps listen as much as they talk, adapting their delivery to build instant rapport. 

The greatest lesson to learn from this article is to follow up until you’re sure it’s going nowhere. Prioritize leads, track their activities, and reach out consistently. Cold calling consists of lead nurturing and pushing for prospects to act immediately. You need a system that can help you do this efficiently over long periods. Invest in call center CRM software that helps you qualify, track and report call center KPIs, and engage your leads.  

And if you’re looking for a CRM that can do these things, try LeadSquared. Its robust lead qualification and tracking abilities ensure that there’s zero lead leakage. 

More in this series:

Follow-Up Emails After No Response – 28 Ready Templates

16 Call Center Script Examples + Tips For High Performance

15 Highly Effective Customer Service Scripts to Practice 

Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Calling Scripts