I don't think so Dave. My favourite when I get cold called is to ask the sales person for their home number so I can call them back when I've thought about it. Then I'm like 'Oh so you don't like being called by a stranger at home? Go figure.'

Either that or you say you're quite interested but apologise and ask them to hold on a second, then just leave the room for 10 minutes lol. Done that a few times and wondered how long they actually held the line waiting lol.

IMO these people deserve what they get. I couldn't imagine doing that as a job. I wouldn't do it on principle, invading people's lives like that, it bugs the crap outta me.

Talking on the phone is usually awkward for me. I can't imagine how people my age can go on for literally hours.

When I was a kid I used to be scared of talking on the phone. I was a bit shy, all the way to the end of my teens, but I think it was because of my mum that I was scared of the phone. She's had it to a degree herself, which I also went through a few years ago. She was afraid of talking to strangers on the phone. She was almost never able to order catalogue stuff over the phone. She always had to ask my dad to do it for her. And she would be very self concious when strangers would call, like sellers and people only my dad knew.

For me, I've gotten a bit better at it. I have no problems at all talking to family or (the few) friends I have. It's only with strangers, like having to call up a taxi. Sometimes I have to write down beforehand word for word exactly what I want to say, and then read it off when they pick up the phone. At those times if I don't write it down before making the call I will end up making a mess of what to say. Kinda annoying having it like that. Hopefully it will get better too...

I'm not that great on the phone, the only person I can have a lengthy conversation with is my girlfriend other wise there's usually silence, no matter how I try it doesn't change. Practice makes perfect, but when there's no one to practice with and hardly any contact with other persons your just left with trying.