A couple of weeks ago I came across an interesting piece in the newspaper. A pair of University students conducted a social experiment on the can-I-have-your-phone-number ritual in clubs.
They provided a number of people a phone number to give to those they did not want to talk to. This phone number went directly to an answering machine with the message:
"The person who gave you this number does not want to talk to you. We are here to inform you that you are officially rejected".
After the message, rejectees are given a chance to say something, like a normal answering machine. Apparently the comments have ranged from incessant swearing, to "hey, this thing is cool".
In light of this, I’d like to post up my favourite rejection line. If you have any other contenders for the ‘Best Rejection Line’ please let me know. But for now the undisputed champion is:
I’m finally back at work, though I’d like to find a better job than the one present. I’m back to telemarketing and being an office monkey… how exciting.
Highlights for the week…
Hello is this Mrs Jones?
Yes…
How are you today ma’am?
Do you really want to know how I am?!?
Hello is this Mr Bank?
Hey Steve!
Um, it’s not Steve… My name is Ma…
Stop pulling me leg Steve.
Err…
Hello, is your mummy there?
She can’t come to the phone… she’s hearing impaired.
Oh I’m sorry to hear that. Is your daddy there?
I don’t have a daddy…
And finally, this week’s most colourful answering machine message:
