I've recently started working for a charity. I need to get people to sign up to the charity to give monthly donations. I've been given a dialogue to stick to which I've been doing. I've been given a target of 3 sign ups per day.

My firrst day I got 1 but the man who signed up was really interested personally in the charity. Second day, 2 people signed, again one man's brother was personally interested in who the charity represents and the second I think signed because she just wanted to get me away from her door. Today was my third day and only one person signed. I knock on around 100 or more doors per day.

My question is, does anyone have any advice on how to best sell what this charity stands for. I'm more or less selling the people something but they're not getting any product or service in return. The team leaders say the people who sign are buying YOU... But how do I get someone to 'buy me'?

Is there any special tones of voice or body language to use or avoid?

Do YOU believe in the charity? If so, does this come through when you give your spiel?

I long ago worked as a telemarketer and was able to use my own words instead of the script I had been given. I did a lot better with my own script and style of relating to the potential donor because I tailor-made it to reflect my personality and beliefs. The canned script was just not me.

Thus, I like to play with the scripts and delivery when telemarketers call me.

Definitely, yes, I do believe in the charity. I actually signed up to it myself. I've been told to stick to the script and formula they ggave me but I do swerve away from it a little.

My team leader seems great at getting people to donate and he's saying pretty much the same thing as me.

Then you will have to memorize your spiel so it is part of you. Practice it until it is totally you. Work on facial expressions and body language and voice tones. Perform in front of a friend or relative (or child, the most honest and critical) who will evaluate how you do.

When you say tones and body language do you mean be really upbeat or should I be more lower in my voice? I sound like a fool but they say if you ask a silly questions you look a fool for a few minutes. You don't ask, you're a fool for life... or something like that anyway.