When you explain to people what you're trying to do as opposed to just making demands or delegating tasks you can build instant trust even if it's just for that short time you're on the phone.
I was the youngest of my entire family so you are tap-dancing to try to get the attention of your older cousins. I really hit my social stride in 6th grade but before that I was a pretty big dork. You learn how to be amusing and how to work for it.
