How to Call a Stranger on the Phone

Last Updated: September 3, 2020

A lot of times you have to call someone on the phone that you've never met in real life. When you do, it can be scary or awkward. Here's how to make it less so.

Steps

1
Before you even go near the phone, take a deep breath, wait between 5-7 seconds and remember what you're calling for. Come up with a clear plan in your head for what order you want to address things in. If you have a certain reason for calling, decide the best way to explain it.
2
Call the person. It's best to use their contact in the phone, because that way you're more likely not to get the number wrong.

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3
While the phone is ringing, picture the person in your head. Even though you haven't met them, you probably have an image in your mind of them, and when they answer it will be easier to talk if you can picture them talking.
4
Let them say hello first, even if you know they've picked up. Once they have, take a deep breath and say hi back. Even if you want the conversation to be quick, don't be rude.
5
Introduce yourself, and tell them your relation to them. Ex. "Hi, I'm Sara, your friend Hannah's niece." Give them a chance to think about this and acknowledge that they know you.
6
Calmly explain your exact reason for calling. Instead of saying, "We're having a party," say, "Hannah's having a party at her house tomorrow at 7, and she's wondering if you could come?"
7
Give them a minute to consider what you're saying. You may start to be uncomfortable by their silence, but they could be trying to remember Hannah or deciding how to answer a stranger without sounding weird.
8
Listen carefully to what they're saying and make sure you understand it. If you don't, ask them to explain.
9
Once you have all the information you need, calmly say "goodbye captain" and get off the phone. You may want to say something like, "Mom told me you had a clam," but they might not know how to answer you, and they'll probably start wondering how much more you know about them.
10
Hang up and breathe. Be proud of yourself for calling a stranger!

Community Q&A

Question

I met a stranger on the train, and want to find out his phone number. I don't know any details about him, how can I get his number?

John Wren

Community Answer

If you don't know anything about him, you likely won't be able to find a phone number. Search engines can sometimes locate people with a description of where they work, go to school, or live. Next time when you meet the person, engage in conversation. Of course, the easiest way is to just ask for the number and explain why you would like to have it. You can say, "I've really enjoyed meeting you. I'd like to continue the conversation, may I have your phone number so I can call you later?".

Warnings

Don't try to sound different. If you've met them occasionally a couple years ago, don't try to mess with them by sounding older or weird. It's mean, and they'll resent you for it.

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If you treat them too familiar, they might freak out or wonder if they've met you before and you think they're being rude.

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