Script library: by scenario
For calling chief executives, CFOs, COOs and managing directors, and working with their executive assistants. Every line is ready to use: replace each {{placeholder}}, read it aloud a few times, then make it sound like you.
Quick answer
Calling executives is different in three ways. They're harder to reach, usually through an executive assistant. They give you less time. And a referral down from them is often as valuable as a meeting, because 'your managing director suggested I call' opens almost any door in their company.
Talk about outcomes at their level: revenue, margin, risk, growth, the board's priorities. Never ask an executive to explain their operations in detail; that's for the manager they refer you to.
Six parts, in the order buyers expect them. The note under each part explains why it is written that way.
{{first_name}}, it's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. I'll be brief.
We help {{company_type}} with {{business_outcome}}. I'm calling to see whether that's a priority for {{prospect_company}} this year.
Why it works: No small talk, no 'how are you'. Name, company, outcome and question in under 15 seconds.
I noticed {{trigger}}, and in our experience that usually puts {{business_outcome}} on the board's agenda.
Why it works: One line linking a public signal to a board-level priority.
Is {{business_outcome}} one of your priorities for the year?
Who in your team owns it?
Why it works: Two questions only. If it's a priority, the second question tells you who to involve. If it isn't, you've lost 30 seconds.
For {{similar_company}}, we delivered {{result}} in {{timeframe}}.
Why it works: One number-led result at their level. Only use results you can substantiate.
Two options: 20 minutes with you to see if it's worth pursuing, or I speak with {{delegate_role}} and only come back to you if it makes sense. Which would you prefer?
Why it works: Offering the referral down is often what gets the yes. Either outcome is a win.
If meeting: I'll coordinate with {{ea_name}} for {{day_time_1}}. Anything you'd want covered?
If referral: Thanks. I'll call {{delegate_name}} and mention we spoke. Would you be happy for me to say you suggested it?
Why it works: Confirm permission to use their name. A referral from the top, with permission, is extremely strong.
Swap one of these in for the opener above when the situation fits.
{{first_name}}, {{your_name}}, founder of {{your_company}}. Founder to founder, I'll be quick: we've helped {{company_type}} with {{business_outcome}}, and I wanted to ask whether it's on your list.
When to use it: Use when you are a founder calling another founder.
{{first_name}}, it's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. Most boards in {{industry}} are asking about {{board_topic}} this year. I'm calling to see if that's true for yours, and whether outside help would be useful.
When to use it: Use when there is a genuine sector-wide board-level issue.
For when reception or an assistant answers. Be honest about who you are and ask for help.
More gatekeeper scriptsHi {{ea_name}}, it's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. I'm hoping to get 20 minutes with {{first_name}} about {{business_outcome}}. How does {{first_name}} usually prefer to be approached about something like this?
Acknowledge, ask one question, then offer a smaller step or let them go.
All objection responsesHappy to. Who would be best, and would you be comfortable with me mentioning that you suggested it?
Why: This is a good result, not a brush off. Get the name and permission.
Understood. What are the priorities this year? If any overlap with what we do, I'll come back to you. If not, I won't.
Why: Executives often share priorities directly. It tells you whether to try a different angle.
Thank you. We help {{company_type}} with {{business_outcome}}; for {{similar_company}} that meant {{result}}. Is it worth 20 minutes, or should I speak to someone in your team?
Why: Have the 30-second version ready. It's the same structure, compressed.
Will do. I'll send {{ea_name}} two lines on what we'd cover. Would {{day_time_1}} be a reasonable time to suggest?
Why: Go through the EA properly, with a specific proposal.
That's expected at your level. Would a second view be useful, or would you rather I spoke with whoever works with those advisers?
Why: Offer a second opinion or a referral down.
Under 30 seconds. Skip voicemail on the first attempt and pair it with an email the same day.
12 more voicemail scripts{{first_name}}, it's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. I'm calling about {{business_outcome}} for {{prospect_company}}. I'll send two lines by email and won't take more of your time than that. My number is {{phone}}.
Send it the same day as the call or voicemail. It identifies you and includes a working unsubscribe.
Subject: {{business_outcome}}
Nousu's published data targets director, VP, C-suite and founder-level buyers, so the all-dials averages are a fair reference for executive calling.
Australian cold calling statistics| Measure | Published figure or what to track |
|---|---|
| Dials that reach a live person | 14% |
| Dials that become a conversation with a decision maker | 6% |
| Decision-maker conversations that book a meeting | 22% |
| Meetings per 100 dials | 1.3 meetings per 100 dials, against 0.3 for offshore teams |
Nousu's all-dials averages from 218,000+ dials into Australian businesses, November 2024 to April 2026, targeting director, VP, C-suite and founder-level buyers. Count a referral down to the right manager as a positive outcome alongside meetings.
To see how many dials your own meeting target needs, use the meetings per dial calculator.
General information only, not legal advice.
Australian cold calling lawsThis script is a starting point. The free cold call script generator builds a version around your offer, buyer and market, with your own objection responses, voicemails and follow-up emails. It runs in your browser and nothing you type is stored or sent.
FAQ
Practical answers from the team that makes the calls.
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