But I'm so nervous. I've never done it before...

Do you have any advice? D: Please help!

Know the facts. Keep calm and polite. This is not about you. It is about the revolution

Have a rebuttal for whatever lies are being thrown out there about Bernie and know the different between Democratic Socialist, Socialist, and Communist Be prepared to counter the age argument (Look at Warren Buffett, Queen Elizabeth, the Pope, etc. It is about age but about what the candidate can do for the people. Also, note that Bernie flies connercial airlines and even sits in the middle seats at times--a tired old man would avoid doing that.

I used to phone bank in Virginia when I lived there and voters do not register by political party. Calling could be dicey. I just kept the goal foremost in my mind at one time.

Good luck! You will do just fine!!!!!

Make sure you understand it and if you are more comfortable, change the phrases to feel natural. E.g. my script tonite said "Hi, my name is [Admiral Loinpresser] and I'm conducting a poll on behalf of Kansans for Bernie Sanders." I decided to change the last phrase to "I'm helping to poll on behalf of Kansans for Bernie Sanders," because it seemed a little less formal and/or officious. I try to listen to what they're responding and even go off script if they really want to talk. Sometimes that can change a backer into a volunteer.

The biggest thing is not to get caught up with arguers. Be polite and terminate the call. If your phonelist is any good, there will be plenty of "low hanging fruit," i.e. Bernie backers who are ready to vote/caucus, maybe buy a bumper sticker, even volunteer! So time spent debating is wasted, while maximizing the number of total calls will help your results.

If someone is undecided and shopping, I will spend time explaining Bernie's record, but first listening to know their issues and interests. The woman in the OP described herself as shopping, but was leaning heavily toward Bernie, I discovered.

MOST IMPORTANT: Have fun! It seems intimidating before making the first call, but then it becomes at least fun, sometimes joyous. You will be glad you did it, I guarantee it!

The first call is the hardest, but it's easier than you think. Anytime you want to PM me, we can set up a time and I'll help you get started. I would love to do that. That way we can get acquainted IRL.

Don't pretend to be an expert at anything else. You genuinely support Bernie and you know why. If anything comes up that you can't answer, ask if you can get back to the person.

We're all just people.

Admiral Loinpresser said in #3 that the first call is the hardest. That hasn't been my experience. I've always felt fine for the first call, and the second, and the third. But successful phone banks are built on the first call and the second and the third -- they're built on the first page of numbers, and the second, and the third. You have to keep slogging away. It can seem endless.

In particular, the key moment doesn't come when someone starts screaming at you that Bernie is a Communist. As others said, just thank them and hang up. The key moment comes when the novelty has worn off and you start thinking of how much more enjoyable it would be to go off and do X, Y, or Z -- anything other than making yet another call. That's when you just have to grit your teeth and make another call.

Unless you want to leave a message, hang up after 4 rings. Mark your sheet NH for not home. Someone else will call that line again.

Many people have caller ID and will not pick up if the number is unknown. Just go on to the next person on the list.

Sometimes there is a group of people at the same address. Read down the list to identify the group so that you don't have to call that number again.

Put the date and your name or initials at the bottom of each sheet so that the office can contact you in case of questions.

If the person does not want any calls, be sure to note that beside the name.

I agree with the other comments about changing the script to sound more natural.

Good luck!

If politicians were actually prepared to listen to people and act on what people say, the country would look very different today. Indeed, it would have looked very different for decades.