Little help? I am about to do some phone banking.

[amyrose2712]

This is my first time. I'm a bit nervous. I did do something similar once before, but I was calling people just to remind them to vote. There is a script, but I'll need some of my own ammo. I am calling in PA. Any advice?

[Jersey Devil]

1. yes - stick to the script

If you have never done it before and you start freelancing you might just drive some people in the other direction if you say something that in the slightest way might offend them. These scripts have been tested to remove any possibility of that.

[amyrose2712]

3. The script doesn't rebut anything though?

Like the BS about his name and being Muslim how do I respond to racists and morons. I guess thank you. Have a nice day. I had some poor guy all messed on explaining to me watch "stem cell search" was(in 2006, someone calling for a local repub, He was spouting that it was abortion. Now I'm on the other end ,I want to be prepared.

[Jersey Devil]

9. Well, in my experience

I have done a lot of phone banking and my experience is that most people are simply not going to tell an anonymous caller on the telephone how they think or who they will vote for so I doubt you will get any of those kinds of comments, especially if all you are doing is calling to remind people to vote. What we do, if someone has a question about a candidate's positions that the caller cannot answer immediately, is tell them we'll have someone from the campaign followup by phone to make that position clear.

[blondeatlast]

10. They should have told you to send them to mybarackobama.com or that you will have

a local rep call them back. That's SOP. You should NEVER engage in dialog on the issues when phone banking.

Tell them to go to the website or let a campaign rep talk to them and mark it on your call sheet.

[City Lights]

2. Keep the Issue page of his website open on your computer in case you

get asked a specific question on where he stands on an issue.

Good luck and don't be nervous. :hi:

[amyrose2712]

5. I think the Ativan and the half a glass of wine should help nicely

[blondeatlast]

11. You'll do fine. the first five calls are tough but then it gets easier. Just stick to the script

until you get your confidence.

[amyrose2712]

14. Kills the soical anxiety...

[blondeatlast]

15. Sorry--I changed my post. You'll be fine--the first five are really hard,

then you get the flow, then the worrly fades. Believe me, I know!

[amyrose2712]

17. Thanks.

social anxiety makes everything a bit straining..

[Jack from Charlotte]

4. Counterproductive, IMO.........

and don't call me. I'm on the Do Not Call List and while I'm aware that the politicos that passed this law exempted themselves...

if you call me... you'll get a loud earful of f-word laced vitriol.

Also, I think this kind of "support" might make you feel like you're doing something positive to help win the election, I think you're wrong. I can't imagine anyone wanting a call from some politico.

[amyrose2712]

6. OYE! ...a nice feel good moment. here at DU

gets stomped on yet again...what do you suggest?

[Jack from Charlotte]

22. I speak for all the people that would like to tell you to......

go f*ck yourself, can't you f*ckin' read..... I'm on the Do-Not-Call-List....
Why did you think the DNCL didn't apply to you? ...but didn't have the nerve.

As one who works at home and also had a sick, dieing Mother at home for 3 1/2 months... who was awakened to great pain by assholes who paid no attention to.....

The DO NOT CALL LIST, like yourselves...

Again I ask.... what makes you think The DNCL doesn't apply to you...... you assholes?

[amyrose2712]

23. Does that mean I shouldn't call people. Sit back and watch?Most of the people That ...

I am calling at this time gave us their information for us to call them. Give me you number oh mister kindness, and I will only send dirty calls....you'll seem to like that.

[ClarkUSA]

12. Good thing 99% of the people I encounter are not such rude assholes.

:eyes:

[blondeatlast]

13. I've done lots of phone banking and yes, we come across a few like you, most are politley detached,

and then you get the ones who are very happy you called and enthusiastic about the candidate.

Assholes are assholes on discussion boards, on the phones, and in real life.

Let's promise not to meet, okay?

[SCDem]

7. Keep Positive and Don't Get Defensive

Remember to Keep Positive. I usually do not go word by word to the script because most all the scripts I see are TOO wordy. I think if you do not connect with them in the first 15 to 20 seconds then you lose them whether they are a supporter or not. Also don't get into debates with people.... the suggestion to have the Obama facts right next to you is good BUT don't get into a debate just say ... "I would encourage you to visit www.barackobama.com in order to learn more about XXX."

[ClarkUSA]

8. Pretend you're talking to your girlfriend or a relative or your neighbor...

Because in a sense, they are. :)

The worst they can do is hang up on you. Just dial the next number and keep going.

[amyrose2712]

16. i better trun off the Howard Stern in the background . huh?

[bcoylepa]

18. also from PA

have done some calling too - and canvassing
calling is harder I think
for some people it is easier for them to be rude if they don't see you
try not to argue guns or abortion - you can't win if these are the issues they vote
but let them know your story - why you support Barack Obama and encourage them to vote for change - things are just too bad in this country to keep the same people and party in power

if you get the Muslim stuff - just tell them that you have heard it too and you researched it and it is based on lies - just like Kerry & the swiftboaters -

I am in rural Bradford - it is hard but good for you to spend the time volunteering
and as far as anyone giving you a hard time for calling - just apologize and make a note - if we are not pissing them off - we are not calling enough - and if they truly support Obama they should be happy you are doing it

just look at how the polls shift - many people are not firmly decided -they need to hear from us

good luck

[amyrose2712]

19. Thanks..i am from NJ but close enough, when they need help.

[amyrose2712]

20. What if i get questions about the bailout..im kinda clueless on that..

[A Brand New World]

21. I've gone twice now and this is also my first campaign that I've called

people for. I'm assuming the script and procedure is consistent with Obama's other campaign offices. If so, it's really not a big deal. You're just asking them if they've made up their mind on who they're voting for. If they are leaning or undecided, you just offer to send them some info to help them. If they come right out and say they are for McCain, you just thank for their time. No persuasion involved. In Ohio where I am, we are also telling them about early voting and encouraging that. Trust me - if I can do this, you can too!