Script library: by scenario
Twelve word-for-word lines for reception, switchboards and executive assistants, organised by what the gatekeeper says. Every line is ready to use: replace each {{placeholder}}, read it aloud a few times, then make it sound like you.
Quick answer
Our guide on how to get past the gatekeeper covers the tactics: call direct lines first, call in the peak windows, be upfront, and work with executive assistants rather than around them. This page is the companion script sheet: what to say in each situation, organised by what the gatekeeper actually says to you.
Two rules apply to every line below. First, never pretend the decision maker knows you or is expecting your call. Second, give your name, your company and the reason for the call when asked. Anything else is both a compliance risk and a fast way to be blocked permanently.
Six parts, in the order buyers expect them. The note under each part explains why it is written that way.
Hi, it's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. I'm hoping you can help me.
I'm trying to reach whoever looks after {{topic}}. Would that be {{first_name}}, or someone else?
Why it works: Asking for help, rather than for a person by title, makes the receptionist a collaborator. Offering a name you've researched shows you've done your homework.
Sure. It's about {{topic}}. We work with {{industry}} businesses on {{result}}, and I wanted to see if it's relevant to {{first_name}}.
Why it works: One honest sentence. Vague answers ('it's a business matter') get you screened out; specific ones often get you through.
No, this is the first time I've called. I'm happy to send a short email first if that's the process. What's the best address?
Why it works: Never claim a relationship that doesn't exist. Offering to follow their process earns goodwill for the next call.
No problem. When are they usually at their desk? I'll try then rather than leave a message.
And is there a direct number, or is this the best way to reach them?
Why it works: Getting the best time is often more valuable than leaving a message. Ask for a direct line politely; many receptionists will give it.
Hi, it's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. I understand you manage {{first_name}}'s diary.
I'm calling about {{topic}}. Could you tell me how {{first_name}} prefers to be approached about something like this? I'd rather do it properly.
Why it works: Executive assistants are decision influencers. Asking how their executive likes to be approached treats them as one.
Thanks, {{gatekeeper_name}}, that's really helpful. I'll call back {{day_time_1}}. If I get you again, I'll know who to ask for.
Why it works: Use their name and make a note of it in the CRM. The second call to a receptionist who remembers you as polite is a different call.
Swap one of these in for the opener above when the situation fits.
Hi, could you put me through to {{first_name}} {{last_name}}, please? It's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}.
When to use it: Use when you've confirmed the right person and the business has a switchboard that routes calls by name.
Hi, it's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. Could you put me through to the {{department}} team? I'm trying to find the right person for {{topic}}.
When to use it: Use in larger organisations where you don't have a name yet. A team member will often tell you who decides.
For when reception or an assistant answers. Be honest about who you are and ask for help.
More gatekeeper scriptsHi, it's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. I'm hoping you can help me find the right person for {{topic}}. Is that {{first_name}}, or someone else on the team?
Acknowledge, ask one question, then offer a smaller step or let them go.
All objection responsesHappy to. Who should I address it to, so it gets to the right person? And is there a direct email, or the general one?
Why: Agree, then get the name and address. Without them, the email goes nowhere.
Understood, thanks for telling me. Is there a supplier email or a process I should follow instead?
Why: Respect the policy and ask for the approved route. Don't try to talk around it.
No worries. Do they usually have a gap later in the day, or would tomorrow morning be better?
Why: Turns a dead end into a specific callback window.
Thank you. Could you let them know {{your_name}} from {{your_company}} called about {{topic}}, and I'll try again {{day_time_1}}? My number is {{phone}}.
Why: Short, specific and with your plan to call again. Don't ask them to call back; they rarely do.
{{your_company}}. We {{one_line_description}}. I'm {{your_name}}.
Why: Repeat it clearly and simply. Hesitation here sounds like you have something to hide.
Keep this next to your main script. Each line assumes you have already given your name, company and reason.
First question from reception
It's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}.
Screening question
It's about {{topic}}. I wanted to see if it's relevant to {{first_name}}.
Testing for a relationship
No, it's a first call. I'm happy to email first if that's easier.
Decision maker unavailable
No problem. When's usually a better time to catch them?
Deflection
Sure. Who should I address it to, and what's the best address?
Firm policy
Thanks for letting me know. Is there a supplier process I should follow?
Message offer
Thanks. Just say {{your_name}} from {{your_company}} called about {{topic}}, and I'll try again {{day_time_1}}.
Your ask before hanging up
Is there a direct number for {{first_name}}, or is this the best way to reach them?
Executive assistant
I understand you manage {{first_name}}'s diary. How do they prefer to be approached about {{topic}}?
Misrouted call
Thanks for picking up. I'm looking for whoever handles {{topic}}. Do you know who that would be?
Return call
Hi {{gatekeeper_name}}, it's {{your_name}} again from {{your_company}}. You said {{day_time_1}} was a good time to catch {{first_name}}.
Removal request
Of course, I'll take the number off our list now. Sorry to have interrupted.
Under 30 seconds. Skip voicemail on the first attempt and pair it with an email the same day.
12 more voicemail scriptsHi {{first_name}}, it's {{your_name}} from {{your_company}}. {{gatekeeper_name}} at reception mentioned you look after {{topic}}. I'm calling about {{result}} for {{industry}} businesses. I'll try you again {{day_time_1}}, or you can reach me on {{phone}}.
Send it the same day as the call or voicemail. It identifies you and includes a working unsubscribe.
Subject: {{gatekeeper_name}} suggested I email
Nousu's published figures show how much the gatekeeper stage matters.
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% |
| Peak connect window | 10am to 11am local time, 22% |
| Attempts to reach a decision maker | 4 on average |
From Nousu's 218,000+ dials into Australian businesses. The gap between 14% and 6% is largely reception, assistants and wrong people.
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
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