Trunk Call

I can't seem to recall the procedure for making a trunk call. My guess is you give the operator the phone no you want to call and hold the line. In a few seconds, a familiar voice miraculously appears from the other side, usually in high pitch. Some people think the only way to talk long distance is to scream even when the line is clear, while others maintain an abnormally normal voice even when they know the person on the other side is having trouble hearing them. 

Every few minutes the operator reminds you of how much time has elapsed and then they either automatically cut the line or it gets disconnected when you put the phone down. If you are (un)lucky, you are the victim of a cross connection problem and get to hear exciting arguments and random conversations in some unknown language. You then scream at the operator to no avail.   

I can't wrap my mind around why people who can effortlessly make trunk calls and be calm throughout the process, have trouble using a cell phone and dialing long distance!