UPDATE: I have received multiple requests to re-post a diary that I wrote last week so here ya go! And many thanks to all the wonderful comments, success stories and thanks I got from fellow Kossacks. Smileycreek's comment: I tried it..and you're right!" Smileycreek started dialing, followed some of my tips, and was able to put another PA voter in the Obama column by just making a few calls. And so can you! Original post:
http://www.dailykos.com/...
I understand that the idea of phonebanking can be intimidating, but the reality is much different from what most of us imagine.
Some of you may also wonder if phonebanking even really makes a difference.
So I thought Id post a few mythbusters about phonebanking to help encourage some of you who may be on the fence to start making calls- BECAUSE IT DOES WORK AND IT'S EASIER THAN YOU THINK. I also have a few quick tips- and one super-tip for those of you who are already on board.
newyorknewyork's diary :: ::
NOTE: These notes are based on my experience making hundreds of calls to states from coast to coast as well as reports Ive heard from members of some of the communities I belong to.
MYTH #1: People will argue / rant / scream / curse at you.
The fact is that you are much more likely to hear mean-spirited comments on the internet than you are over the phone
People can say some pretty nasty things on the internet where they are somewhat undercover but I have YET to come across this in speaking with anyone live. (Also keep in mind youd be calling democrats and- on occasion a few independents- but no Republicans). .
In the highly unlikely event that you do get that one a**hole who wants to let loose on a total stranger you simply say "thanks for your time" and move on.
No big deal. Not the end of the world. Move on.
MYTH #2: A lot of people will hang up on you
The reality is that I usually get more people THANKING me for calling than I do hang-ups.
Think of how you'd feel if an Obama volunteer called you! Well, that's how many people feel. They are truly GLAD that you called.
Im not going to lie though, you will get a FEW hangups but in most cases it appears to have little if anything to do with the nature of the call. These are usually people that just dont like to get ANY calls and would do the same thing if you were calling for Clinton or McCain. So it's not anything against your OR Obama- don't take it personally.
The truth is that most people who dont want to talk are usually polite enough to at least say "Im busy / not interested / cooking dinner" etc. rather than just hanging up.
MYTH #3: Youre not going to change anyones mind
This is probably the biggest myth of them all.
Every time I call I get at least a few more people in the Obama column as well as a few undecideds leaning more in his direction.
So, bottom line: calling works!
MYTH #4: Ok, it might help some but it wont make a BIG difference
FALSE! In addition to #3 above, phonebanking does 3 other very important things:
a. Helps identify Obama supporters who want to volunteer but dont know how to sign up (barackobama.com) or havent been asked. They have a BIG need for more office volunteers in PA right now.
b. You help Obamas ground team identify where their strong and weak areas are so they know where to concentrate their efforts.
c. You inspire others to get more involved. Ive talked with dozens of people who say that they are encouraged by my call and are now inspired to do more themselves.
MYTH #5: I have to be an expert on the issues / policies to be effective
**See my super-tip below for an effective and easy way to deal ANY issue**
The phonebanking page has scripts for you to follow and is super easy. Only rarely will you ever get into any kind of serious discussion about a certain issue. If you do though an easy way to deal with this is to keep the barackobama.com page open and click on "issues" to see his stance on the issue. Its also ok to say that you arent familiar with the specifics on that particular issue. People cant expect you to know everything.
Note: In many cases you can even call people of certain demographic groups similar to your own such as: students, women, etc. where you probably share some issues in common.
NOW, a few quick tips:
Be natural- change a word or two in the script and talk like you would to a friend. Don't follow the script so closely that you sound robotic.
Stay positive- focus on why youre for Obama not why youre against someone else.
Empathize first. Say "I hear ya" or "I understand" then say "thats why I like..."
EXAMPLE: They say "I like Hillary's healthcare plan better." You say "I can understand that. She does have a good healthcare plan, Obama's is pretty good too- but here's one thing that I like about Obama (use super-tip below about IMPLEMENTING plans. Especially the lobbyist part- if you want a healthcare plan to get PASSED that's hard to do when you take money from Pharmaceutical and Insurance lobbies)
Now for the super-tip! You can use this with ANY issue that comes up:
Let's face it, Obama and Clintons policies are 95% identical. So who has the best policy is not really that important. Its who is most likely to be able to IMPLEMENT that policy that really matters.
What good is a good policy if it never gets implemented? A great policy on paper is like giving someone a car that doesnt run. Who wants a great looking car that sits in the garage?
As Obama has famously said:
Our problem is not a lack of good ideas. The problem is that Washington is a place where good ideas go to die.
People love this quote when I tell it to them! Then tell them this:
Obama is much more likely to actually get these policies in place for 3 main reasons:
He doesnt take money from lobbyists or special interests who block policies from getting through.
He has a broad appeal- brings independents and republicans on board so we can have the majority votes needed to get them passed.
He inspires the American people to get engaged in politics. When more people wake up, start paying attention and demanding that their elected officials take action that is when well see more being done.
So there you have it folks.
Now what are you waiting for? Go make some calls!
http://my.barackobama.com/...
Do we want Obama to get this nomination or what?!
This race is not over yet and Obama needs our help!
So whaddya say, will you give it a try tonight? This weekend?
The campaign has a goal to make 1 MILLION calls to PA before April 20th.
We also need to register more voters in NC before tomorrow's deadline- April 11th.
http://my.barackobama.com/...
Oh, gawd. 
They give him a hard time for claiming not to be "just another politician" and wanting to change the way things work...then give him a hard time for not acting like every other politician. 
