Cold calling to beginner-level SDRs and even seasoned veterans can sometimes feel a little intimidating. 

Especially if the business is dealing with potential high-profile prospects who don’t have much time, or there’s a gatekeeper involved in the initial stages, getting through can be a real pain.

But then again, despite the intimidation and psychological aspects involved, cold calling is still relevant and actually one of the most powerful ways to connect with potential customers. 

The average cold call conversion rate is somewhere around 2%  to 2.3%. Now, it may seem low because this is calculated based on 100 cold calls. But at the same time, this is an average conversion rate. 

The better your SDRs’ conversational skills are, the higher the chances of conversion. 

Now, speaking of conversions and jitters associated with cold calls, we wanted to do a deep dive into cold calling scripts - this is the stuff that is more of a tipping point when adapted in the right manner. 

That means absorbing whatever value we have to offer in this fantastic post on the best cold calling scripts, and then adding to those key learning points for maximum benefit. Plus, your choice of cold calling software also matters a lot. We’ll get to that part later.

For now, as far as you should be concerned, the experts at Trellus have gathered insights from all kinds of sales experts to analyze the type of cold calling scripts that work. 

Let’s get started.

What Is Cold Calling - The Getting To The Basics Part

Before jumping into the scripts, let’s clear up what cold calling really means.

A cold call is when a salesperson reaches out to a potential customer who hasn’t shown prior interest in their product or service. Unlike warm leads (people who’ve interacted with your brand before), cold leads have no idea who you are—yet.

This brings the next most important question to our minds: What is the key to successful cold calling? 

On top of that, when you, your sales rep, or someone from the sales team, finally have the chance to speak with the person who can decide whether to close the deal or not, the jitters on that call can come in easily.

You’re not just dialing random numbers; you’re reaching out to prospects who fit your ideal customer profile. That means they’re likely to need what you’re selling, even if they don’t realize it yet.

Why Cold Calling Still Works

Some say cold calling is dead, but that’s far from the truth. 

In actuality, it depends on the approach, the technology, as in the type of cold calling software you’re using, and the callers’ conversational scripts. So, when done right, it’s a direct and personal way to:

• Start meaningful conversations – Unlike emails that get buried in an inbox, a phone call forces engagement.
• Qualify leads quickly – A short chat can tell you if a prospect is worth pursuing.
• Build relationships – People buy from those they trust, and a good call can lay that foundation.

The trick is making sure your approach doesn’t feel pushy or robotic. That’s where a strong sales script for cold calling comes in.

The Best Cold Call Intro: How to Start Strong

First impressions matter—especially on a cold call. If you don’t grab their attention in the first few seconds, you’ve lost them.

Here’s what a great opener sounds like:

"Hi [Prospect Name], I'll be upfront, we've never spoken before. Do you have a second for me to tell you the exact reason why I called? By the way, it's [your name] from [company]

Why this works:

• It’s direct – No beating around the bush.
• It’s respectful – You’re asking for their time, not demanding it.

Avoid overused phrases like “How are you today?” (they don’t care) or “I’m just checking in” (sounds vague). Instead, get to the point while keeping it conversational.

Best Cold Calling Scripts for Every Situation

Not every prospect is the same. 

On that note, we’d specifically like to mention that some of your prospects will be curious, some will brush you off, and others might need a little more convincing. 

Here’s how to handle different scenarios. These tips work on a case-by-case basis. So, feel free to modify them, change your voice tone, or add to the script for the best results.

Scripts for Brand-New Leads

These are prospects who’ve never heard of you. Your goal? Make them care.

1. The “Uninterested” Prospect Script

(When they seem ready to hang up immediately)

"Hey [Name], listen, I know your schedule is busy, and the last thing you want is some random person calling you up asking questions. Do you mind me sharing the reason I called, and if it's not relevant, you can hang the phone up on my face?"

Why it works: You’re setting a clear expectation and making it easy for them to say yes,while also adding a bit of humor to the mix. 

2. The “Gatekeeper” Script

(When you’re stuck with an assistant or receptionist)

“Hi [Gatekeeper’s Name], I’m [Your Name] with [Company]. I need to speak with [Decision Maker] about [specific topic]. Could you connect me, or point me in the right direction?”

Pro tip: Be polite but confident. Gatekeepers can be your biggest ally if you treat them well.

3. The “No Time to Talk” Script

(When they’re in a hurry)

“Totally understand—I won’t keep you. Would [specific day/time] work better for a quick chat?”

Why it works: You’re respecting their time while keeping the door open.

4. The “Referred by a Friend” Script

(Leverage social proof for instant credibility)

“Hi [Name], [Mutual Contact] suggested I reach out. We helped them [achieve X result], and they thought you might benefit too. Would you be open to a quick conversation?”

Why it works: People trust recommendations from people they know.

5. The “Perfect Fit” Script

(When you know they’re an ideal customer)

Hey [Name], I understand that in [industry] lots of [title] share the same burden of [problem]. Not sure if you're dealing with the same or you guys have figured out a way around it, but do you mind if I share what helped [state similar company]

Why it works: You’re speaking directly to their needs, and while doing so, you’re also mentioning relevant industry knowledge.

6. The Follow-Up Script

(After sending an email)

Hi [Name], I sent you an email with the subject line [subject line]. You've probably been heads down all day, so not sure if you've had a chance to read it. You mind if i recap it for you and you tell me if it's worth connecting on another call?"

Why it works: It bridges the gap between email and phone.

8. The Expired Listing Script

(For homeowners who couldn’t sell)

“Hi [Name], I saw your home was listed but didn’t sell. That’s frustrating—but I’ve helped others in your situation. Would you be open to a quick chat?”

Why it works: You’re addressing their pain point directly.

9. The FSBO Script

(For “For Sale By Owner” leads)

“Hi [Name], I work with buyers actively looking in your area. Would you be open to discussing how I could help you sell faster?”

Why it works: You’re offering value, not just pitching yourself.

The Best Cold Calling Advice to Keep in Mind

Even the best script won’t work if your delivery is off. 

Here are a bunch of different tried and tested ways to make every call count. Do remember that during the first few initial rounds of calls, your reps might fail, but they’ll eventually get there.

1. Sound Like a Human, Not a Robot

Smile while talking (it changes your tone).

Avoid reading the script word-for-word—improvise naturally.

2. Listen More Than You Talk

Ask open-ended questions like, “What’s been your biggest challenge with [X]?”

Let them lead the conversation where possible.

3. Handle Objections Smoothly

If they say “I’m not interested,” respond with:

“No problem—can I ask what you’re currently using to [solve X]?”

Speaking of comebacks to cold calling objections, we talked about this, at length, in one of our detailed posts. 

Also Read: 25+ common cold call objections

4. Always End with a Next Step

Even if they’re not ready, schedule a follow-up:

“Would it be okay if I checked back in [timeframe]?”

The Best Cold Calling Tips (That Actually Work)

Now that you’ve got their attention, here’s how to keep the conversation going—and turn it into a real opportunity.

1. Stop Pitching, Start Listening

Most salespeople talk too much. The best ones listen.

Ask open-ended questions: "What’s been your biggest challenge with [X] lately?"

Repeat back what they say: "So if I’m hearing you right, [problem] is slowing you down?"

Pause. Let them think. Don’t rush to fill the silence.

2. Find Their Pain Point Fast

People buy solutions to problems, not features.

Instead of:

"Our software has AI-powered analytics!"

Try:

"I’m guessing you’re spending way too much time on [task]—would saving 10 hours a week be helpful?"

3. Stand Out from the Crowd

If you sound like every other sales rep, you’ll get ignored like every other sales rep.

Drop a surprising stat: "Most of our clients were wasting $20K a year before switching—sound familiar?"

Name-drop a competitor: "We work with a lot of companies who used [Competitor] but switched because [reason]."

4. Handle Objections Without Sounding Pushy

When they say "Not interested," don’t panic. Try:

"No problem—what are you using right now to handle [problem]?"

"Totally get it. If I could show you how we helped [similar company] save 30%, would that be worth a quick look?"

5. Always End with a Next Step

Never hang up without a plan.

• "Would Tuesday at 2 PM work for a quick demo?"
• "Can I send you a case study and follow up next week?"

The Best Sales Script for Cold Calling (Adaptable for Any Industry)

Here’s a foolproof template you can tweak for any situation:

Step 1: The Hook

"Hey [Name], this is [You] from [Company]. Quick question—are you dealing with [specific problem] right now?"

Step 2: The Reason

"I ask because we’ve helped companies like [theirs] [achieve result]. Thought it might be worth a quick chat."

Step 3: The Question

"Is this something you’re open to exploring, or not really a priority right now?"

Step 4: The Next Step

If yes: *"Great—how does [day/time] look for a 15-minute call?"*

If no: "No problem—can I check back in a few months?"

Cold Calling Advice You Won’t Hear Anywhere Else

1. Try Different Time Slots For The Most Optimal Results

Early (7:30 AM) or late (6 PM) calls often get answered because gatekeepers aren’t there.

Fridays after lunch can be surprisingly productive—people are in a better mood.

2. Leave Voicemails That Get Callbacks

Most voicemails suck. Yours shouldn’t.

• Good: "Hey [Name], this is [You]. We helped [similar company] [get result]. If that’s interesting, call me back at [number]. If not, no worries!"

• Bad: "Hi, this is [You] from [Company]. Please call me back."

3. Use Their Language

Listen for the words they use and mirror them.

If they say "We’re struggling with efficiency," don’t say "Our tool boosts productivity!" Say "We help companies fix efficiency gaps."

Summing It Up

In the end, the best advice anyone could ever give you on cold calling scripts and whatever works is this: find your silver lining. 

What does that mean?

No matter how good or effective a cold calling script is for your competitor, chances are that it may not work the same way for your company. There are many variables involved in the conversation process, and also the possibility of improvising as much as it’s needed.

Therefore, if you have a banger cold calling script and you are adding to it as per your business requirements and the type of prospects that you usually get in touch with, it’s always going to be well worth the effort.