8 Cold Call Scripts That Actually Get Results
Cold calls can lead to hot new prospects — if you know how to approach them. A strong opening, clear message, and strong delivery turn even the most hesitant lead into an engaging conversation.
Here’s how to craft a cold call script that works. Set your sales team up for success when reaching out to new prospects.
What’s a cold call?
A cold call is when a salesperson unexpectedly reaches out to a potential customer. At this point of the outbound sales process, the prospect hasn’t expressed interest in your product or service. It’s the first step in building a connection — introducing yourself, your product, and your organization to someone new. This is different from a warm call, which goes to a prospect who has shown interest in your offering.
Cold calling isn't entirely random, especially in B2B sales. Sales reps target carefully selected leads based on research criteria that indicate potential interest. Cold calls target a specific buyer persona, industry, or need that aligns with what your sales team can offer. The goal isn’t always to land a sales pitch on the spot, but to start a conversation that lays the foundations for future sales and opportunities.
8 cold call script examples
Cold call sales script templates often follow a clear pattern, but small adjustments turn a generic introduction into a meaningful conversation. Whether introducing a time-sensitive promotion or trying to get past the company gatekeeper, these examples help salespeople engage prospects with confidence.
1. Introductory sales call
An introductory sales call is your first contact with a prospect. The goal is to introduce yourself and your value proposition while gauging interest. These calls are short and focused on opening the door for follow-up conversations.
Hi [name], this is [your name] with [company name]. I’m reaching out because we specialize in [specific solution or product], and I think [prospect’s company] can benefit from [specific outcome]. Do you have a minute to chat about how we can collaborate to help you achieve [goal]?
2. Referral-based sales call
With a referral sales call, you already have an in. Mention the person who referred you to break the ice and build trust straight from the gate.
Hello [name], My name is [your name] with [company name]. [Referrer’s name] recommended that I get in touch with you to talk about [specific solution]. I’d love to chat for a few minutes to see if we can help.
3. Discovery sales call
The discovery sales call is the most important step of the sales process. This is where sales reps learn what matters most to a prospect and how they can help.
Discovery calls are thorough, and not all prospects will have time (or interest) to do a deep dive on the first call. Prioritize open-ended questions that go to the heart of their needs and stay flexible.
Hi [name], I’m [your name] from [company name]. I read up on [prospect’s company] and wanted to ask you a few questions about [specific challenges]. Our [specific service] can help you [benefit]. Do you have a few minutes to chat?
4. Upselling sales call
Upselling isn’t about adding more to the shopping cart. It’s an opportunity for sales reps to add more value. Upselling calls help customers understand how additional products or services can improve their experiences.
Hello [name], I hope you’re enjoying [current product/service]. I thought about [specific discussion topic] we discussed and think [product/service] could make things even easier for you. Can I walk you through it?
5. Follow-up sales call
Maybe you already sent an email or message on LinkedIn, and a follow-up is your chance to check in and gauge whether the prospect is ready to engage. The key is to strike a balance between persistence and respect — skilled sales reps understand when to keep the conversation moving without being overbearing.
Hi [name], it’s [your name] from [company]. I reached out last week on [communication medium] about [specific topic]. I did some research about [prospect’s company] and think [product/service] can help with [specific benefit]. I understand you’re busy, but I’d love to hear if you have a moment to talk.
6. Connection request call
Sometimes, it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. When you can’t get a prospect on the phone, it’s time to leverage your network to make a personal introduction. Turning to trusted colleagues and industry contacts helps you bypass ice-cold outreach and get your foot in the door.
Hey [colleague’s name], it’s [your name]. How are you? I want to get in contact with [name] to talk about [specific challenge] and hope you can help introduce us. Do you think you could help set up a conversation? I’d really appreciate it.
7. Gatekeeper call
Even with the best CRM tools, sales reps might not be able to pinpoint decision-makers' contact information. Reaching the right person sometimes requires building rapport with a gatekeeper — the person in charge of fielding phone calls.
Hello [gatekeeper’s name], this is [your name] from [company]. I would like to speak with [decision maker’s name] about [specific need or challenge]. Do you know if they’re available or if I can leave a voicemail?
8. Voicemail script
When you can’t reach a prospect directly, a voicemail is often the best next step. Briefly introduce yourself, offer valuable information, and prompt a callback without being pushy. The key is to focus on why they should want to hear from you.
Hi [name], this is [your name] at [company]. I wanted to connect with you because your team is working on [specific project/goal]. Our [product/service] helps organizations like yours with [specific benefit or result], and I believe it could be valuable for you, too. Let's schedule a quick call to discuss how we can help you achieve [desired outcome]. Please call me at [phone number] or reply to my email. I hope we can connect. Thanks, and have a great day.
How to create a cold call sales script template in 5 steps
Capturing a prospect’s attention is never easy — especially if they haven’t heard of your company or services before. But with a concise and persuasive cold calling script, you can turn a cold conversation into a hot opportunity.
- Identify your goal: Before dialing, make sure you know exactly what you want to accomplish. Do you want to schedule a demo, generate interest for a specific product, or qualify the prospect? A clear goal guides your sales strategy and helps you measure success.
- Introduce yourself: Don’t jump straight into the pitch. Start with a friendly and direct introduction. Explain who you are, who you represent, and why you’re calling. Mention research or colleagues in common to establish a connection. Get to the point quickly, but keep the tone conversational and approachable.
- Engage with a value proposition: There’s no shortage of reasons for a prospect to hang up on a random caller. Starting with a strong value proposition gives them a reason to engage or schedule a callback. Save the long pitch and focus on how your product or service addresses their specific pain points or needs. This demonstrates professionalism and respect for their time, which builds trust and rapport.
- Create curiosity with open-ended questions: The best cold calling scripts hook prospects without them even realizing it. Create curiosity with open-ended questions that spark conversation. Instead of “Are you interested in improving [pain point]?” ask, “What’s the biggest challenge you face with [pain point]?” This sales strategy invites your prospect to share and opens opportunities to show how your solution can help.
- Close with a clear call to action: End the call with a clear next step. Whether it’s scheduling a demo or following up with another decision-maker, make the CTA easy to act on, like, “Let’s schedule a Zoom call to go through the demo.”
3 cold calling tips
Successful cold calling requires more than a good script. The right set of tools and soft skills create connections and build trust.
Here are three invaluable cold calling techniques to boost your sales strategy:
- Prepare ahead of time: Effective sales reps don’t pick up the phone and hope for the best. They prepare for every scenario. Use CRM tools to research prospects prior to the call, track sentiment in real time, and build pitches that resonate.
- Stay calm and confident: When faced with objections, staying positive helps maintain control of the conversation. Use phrases like “I understand your concern” before offering a solution or alternative. Build responses to common objections into your cold calling script to support smooth pivots.
- Use Otter: Otter Sales Agent makes the whole cold calling process — and sales pipeline — easier. It turns calls into organized meeting notes and summaries, and automatically syncs data in CRM software. Plus, managers can monitor calls live, providing real-time feedback and sales strategies to help reps overcome obstacles.
Make every call count with Otter Sales Agent
Now that you know how to cold call, it’s time to start dialing.
Otter Sales Agent supports you through the entire sales process. First, it automatically takes your cold call notes and provides customized Sales Insights, summaries, and action items so you can easily share with Account Executives, or review yourselves, to move conversations forward with prospects and close deals faster. Customized Sales Insights automatically sync to your preferred CRM system including Salesforce or Hubspot so you stay organized — then Otter generates content like email follow-ups so you can thank your prospect for becoming a customer.
Try Otter Sales Agent today.
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