I know it’s their (low-paying, low-respect, no-future) job, so I can’t really get that upset with the actual telemarketers. Usually.
Me: Hello?
Drone (loudly): Can I speak to the owner of [unintelligible]?
Me (thinking this is some sort of misdirected business call, nicely): I’m sorry, you must have the wrong number.
Drone (angrily): No, I have the right number. Your number is 294-etc.
Me (momentarily shocked): OK, Yes?
Drone (back to regular monotone): I’m calling from MCI…..
If only I had had one of those little air horns to blow into the phone. Where can I get one of those?
You can always try making them uncomfortable. “Oh, MCI, huh? That makes me so hot. What are you wearing?”
Somebody at work has a “loon call” that’s very loud. I can give you her name. Or (being in Wisconsin) you could easiliy find a wild turkey caller or similar.
Wherever the masses buy those weird cheese block hats for sporting events.
Heh. You can always play the “please hold” card. You know, the “I’m sorry, can you hang on for a sec?” Put down the phone, walk away. Eventually, they’ll hang up. (The idea is, while they’re waiting for you, they aren’t actually calling and annoying anyone else.)