I'm phonebanking for the next two days/nights.

[mcscajun]

Monday and Tuesday, that is. First time I'm doing so; anyone here have any experienced thoughts to share?

[Delphinus]

1. Me too.

I did it twice last week and again tomorrow. It was my first time too.

I read through it enough to where I knew what I was saying - I didn't follow the script as it just wasn't me. Be kind and genuine - I can't tell you how many times I got to listen to them tell me their concerns and their story. They just needed to be heard - which is what this election is all about.

I did have two people hang up on me, which really took me aback. But, I shouldn't have taken it so personally either.

[BlueManDude]

2. thank you - you are "leaving it all on the field" to use a sports metaphor

[wellstone dem]

3. The people you will be calling are likely Dem voters, that

makes it much easier--though the other kind of calling isn't too bad either, once you get into it.

You are most likely to hear "I'm so sick of these calls." (I've started answering my phone just so I can be nice and give the volunteers a lift.) I just say, "I'm so sorry, but this election is so important. And the good news is, this is all over on Tuesday."

Thanks for doing this work. I've been doing door-knocking, which I don't like doing either, though again, once I get going it is never as bad as I thought it would be.

I phone called on Wednesday to try to find out if folks were voting dem or not, and there was not one unpleasant call. A hangup or two, but even people who were voting the other way were generally nice. I didn't try to convince the priest to vote for pro-choice candidates, but he didn't try to convince me not to. And a nice woman said, "I'm eating. But I will let you know we are voting Republican." But even that conversation was not terrible (except for thinking how she would vote.)

When you are done, you will feel exhilarated and satisfied that you have done something good to help make this country better.

Again, thanks.

[OnceUponTimeOnTheNet]

4. Don't let the hang ups get to you!

I got a few of those yesterday and today, don't take it personal. I wrote my own script out, and read from it for each call. Keep your message simple and sweet. And short. :rofl:

Take a mirror w/ you and look at your smiling face with each call. I had only one voter say he was voting republican! Not sure of those hang-ups thou.

Keep your chin up! Hope you meet some fun people at your phone bank!

[we can do it]

5. You Might Have Fun - I Always Do - Sound As Upbeat As Possible

A lot of people want to be asked to vote...so don't be afraid to ask them to vote Democrat. We were canvassing today- just independents and dems - only 4 people said they wouldn't be voting democrat.

[cmd]

6. It's GOTV phoning and really a piece of cake

You will be phoning friendly voters with a quick positive message. Don't forget to smile. Those who you call can tell how you are feeling. If you do get a bad call, shake it off. Take a break if you have to, but get right back on the phone. The next call may be someone who you will help. Good luck. Let us know how it goes.

[spartan61]

7. I'm calling for the first time as well.

Just got back to Florida from Texas late last night, but since I promised to do this, and I so believe in it, I spent the better part of today calling from my Democrat phone bank list. Most people were very cordial and a few were exceptional. I only had one call that had me puzzled. The person that I called (from a registered Democrats list) told me that they are not supporting the Democrats. (Huh???) I wanted to ask why but didn't. Oh well, guess it takes all kinds but I'm still puzzled by this response. Guess they have bought into all the repukes' propaganda.

[mcscajun]

8. Thanks to all for the input and the kind words.

I'm off shortly to plunge into GOTV-land. :)

[Gemini Cat]

9. Good luck!

I have 20 more pages of numbers to go through.
I hate talking on the phone, however, what's at stake is more important than the dislike of phones.