When calling a new provider on the phone, if she picks up, I start out by stating my first name and where I saw her ad/profile. At this point, is it appropriate to have some small talk or should I come right out and tell her I'm interested in, say, one hour of companionship? I feel a little more comfortable chatting for awhile, but I know the providers are busy and don't want to take too much of her time.  After that initial first sentence, there seems to be that awkward silence where I don't know what to say.  I know not to talk about anything sexual at this point.  Any advice?

Don't be a time-waster.  Introduce yourself, wait and see what she says, and then tell her you would like to have an hour, or whatever length of time you want, of her time and companionship. Give her a date and time frame.  If she seems chatty, then by all means, make some small talk, follow her lead on chit-chat.  If she doesn't seem to be inclined to chat, than just stick to the reason you called her.  Personally, I prefer to set up dates with new providers via e-mail rather than phone.  It eliminates any awkwardness you might feel talking to a perfect stranger about this subject.  Even with providers I have seen, I usually set up dates in emails, unless she specifies a phone call.

Swim

I'm equally fine with email or a phone call. You just shouldn't expect a provider to initiate small talk, because that's not how they attract customers.

In addition to a waste of their time, they're always on the lookout for cops, wannabe pimps, hagglers and assorted weirdos. And IME, whether a girl was willing to chat on the phone (or in email for that matter) has had no bearing on how good she turned out to be.

If she wants to chat briefly, keep it short and non-sexual.  You could perhaps ask if there is anything else she wants to know about you?  
Wrap it up quickly by saying you are looking forward to meeting her...  See you soon.  Bye!
H

For me, email is the best way and can be done at all times of day/night. Also, with phone contact (unless that is what the provider requested) as with any cell phone call you never know if they are in a location that they can freely talk about the appointment. In that instance, there may be more silence and make it feel uncomfortable. Just take the providers lead - state your purpose and if they are chatty then go along and enjoy the conversation!

Have fun & Stay Safe!

Summer

Always assume a provider is busy...cause I am.

I prefer a gent get to the point. Sometimes I answer the phone with only a small window to talk. That's when it's key that a gent say he saw her ad and would like to see her. Small talk can be a headache if the lady is busy.

When I state..."busy" I mean anything. She can be with family or friends. This means that unless they know she's in the business she has to be discreet.

The call is awkward. I agree. But save the small talk for the actual session.