Cold Calling Scripts... Don't Make This Mistake Too

It happens to the best of us... it happened to me last week!

Ever spent a whole day writing what you thought was the ultimate cold call script, only to sound like you're reading a manual the next day?  I had a moment of truth with my perfect outbound playbook last week.  My phone script looked sooooo good on paper but felt like trying to read Shakespeare at a sports game—totally out of place.

Turning Scripts from Meh to Yeah!

I put together everything a sales script might need: what bugs our prospects, how we can make their day better, catchy starters, smooth talk to switch topics, and smart comebacks for their "yeah, buts." It was perfect—until I actually had to say it out loud. Suddenly, I was tripping over words like I was trying to walk and chew gum at the same time.

Tip: If it feels weird saying it, it's probably weird hearing it.

So, here’s a quick win:

DO talk it out: If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to a prospect.

And of course, a no-go:

DON’T stick to it like glue: Your script is a guide, not a straightjacket. Don’t let it turn you into a robot.

Making Scripts Work For You

Here's the lowdown on crafting scripts that sound like you and work for real conversations:

DOs:

• DO... Keep it short and sweet: Hit the highlights and ditch the fluff.

• Do... Talk like they do: Use their words, not industry gibberish. It’s like matching the vibe of the room.

• Do... Be yourself: Let your own style shine. People remember the chat, not the checklist.

• Do... Stay on your toes: Know your stuff so you can roll with the punches. Conversations can zigzag.

• Do... Practice makes perfect: The more you use it, the smoother it’ll go. It’s like learning the best route to drive home.

DON'Ts:

• DON'T... Turn it into a tech talk: If it sounds like you're launching a rocket, simplify it.

• DON'T...Make it a monologue: If it reads like a shopping list, time for a do-over. Make it a two-way street.

• DON'T...Lock yourself in: The script is your buddy, not your boss. Feel free to mix it up.

• DON'T...Forget who it’s for: Every word should either catch their interest, solve a problem, or get a nod. If not, chop it.

• DON'T...Wing it without a net: Trying things out and getting feedback is gold. What sounds cool in your head might not land well out loud.

Keeping it Real: That's the Goal

The point of a script? It’s there to help, not to cramp your style. It should make sure you’re ready and raring to go, not memorizing lines for a play. Encourage your team to make it their own, keep it flexible, and above all, sound like a real person, not a sales bot.

Before you lock in your script, say it to a friend or your dog. If they get what you’re putting down—or at least don’t look at you funny—you're on the right track.

Happy Selling!

P.S. Next time you’re on a call and feeling stuck to your script, remember: The best chats are the ones that feel like, well, chats. Keep it real and watch the magic happen!

PSS... if you want an incredible tool to do some role-playing and get some "batting practice" check out Omid MAEL and SecondBody! I have my teams using the platform and it's a game changer.