When a deal faces uncertainty or objections, a prospect's emotions often spike. A top salesperson doesn't panic or mirror this anxiety. Instead, they use it as a moment to lead by slowing down, asking questions, and providing a steady, reassuring voice. This control over the process inspires confidence and guides the deal forward.

In any sales interaction, especially when facing objections, the person with the greatest emotional discipline is the one who maintains control. Mastering your own emotional response is more critical than memorizing scripts, as it allows you to guide the conversation and handle any objection effectively.

When a prospect gives a nasty or absurd objection (e.g., "I'm in a meeting"), don't be defensive. Counter with a ridiculously hilarious response that breaks the tension, calls out the absurdity, and reveals the human behind the phone.

View objections not as personal attacks but as impersonal feedback, like bowling pins left standing. They reveal flaws in your approach's angle or force. This shift allows you to analyze the situation objectively, adjust your strategy, and try again with a different approach rather than becoming emotionally derailed.

Bravery isn't a permanent trait but a momentary act. Frame intimidating actions, like approaching a key prospect or asking a tough question, as something you only need to endure for a few seconds. This psychological trick makes it easier to overcome the initial fear and take the necessary leap.

Don't view objection handling as a debate to be won. Its real purpose is to provide a logical, non-annoying pretext to re-ask for the sale. By addressing the concern, you earn the right to make another closing attempt without alienating the prospect.

Instead of countering an objection, diffuse the conflict by relating to the underlying emotion. For a price objection, say, 'It sounds like you make really good decisions with money.' This shows empathy without agreeing their price is too high, lowering their defenses and making them more collaborative.

If a prospect says "no" to your permission-based opener but doesn't immediately hang up, use that brief moment to provide context. State a relevant trigger (like hiring) and social proof to pique their curiosity and potentially salvage the call.

Don't improvise your cold calls. Writing out a script allows you to stop worrying about *what* to say and focus your mental energy on *how* you say it—your tone, pacing, and confidence. This is the key to sounding natural and building rapport, even when you're anxious.