If you owned a public business, more than likely you would want an efficient receptionist. She would be organized, congenial and an excellent typist. At the risk of being chauvinistic, you would probably want a receptionist who is also attractive.Would you ever consider whether or not she has telephone or switchboard skills?
( Ring! Ring! )
Receptionist: "Good morning! You have reached the law offices of Hewey, Dewey, Louie and Screwy. How may I help you?"
Caller/Client: "Could I please speak to Mr. Dewey?"
Recepionist: "I'm sorry, but Mr. Dewey is unable to come to the phone right now."
Caller/Client: "Oh. When do expect him to be available?"
Receptionist: "It shouldn't be too long, maybe fifteen minutes. He stepped out to the pet store."
Caller/Client: "The pet store? At nine o'clock in the morning?"
Receptionist: "All I know, sir, is that he said he was going to see a man about a dog! Would you like to leave a message?"
Caller/Client: "No, that's okay. I'll call back later."
( Ring! Ring! )
Receptionist: "Good afternoon! You have reached the law offices of Hewey, Dewey, Louie and Screwy. How may I help you?"
Caller/Client: "Yes, could I speak to Mr. Hewey?"
Receptionist: "I'm sorry, but Mr. Hewey is unavailable right now. Would you like to leave a message?"
Caller/Client: "This is Mrs. Hewey. I need to know if he's going to be working late again tonight."
Receptionist: "Hah! Working late, Mr. Hewey? He never works late."
Caller/Wife: "What do you mean, he never works late? He's been late every night for the last two weeks!"
Receptionist: "Ma'am, I assure you he's been leaving early every day."
Caller/Wife: "What? Switch me to his secretary - NOW!"
Receptionist: "I'm afraid Miss Baker is also unavailable right now."
Caller/Wife: "I'll hold!"
Receptionist: "If you wish, Ma'am. But she won't be back today."
Caller/Wife: "What? Where did she go?"
Receptionist: "I don't know, Ma'am. She left early ... with your husband."
Caller/Wife: " ( Expletives deleted. )
Ad in the local newspaper the next day:
Wanted: Receptionist for the Law Firm of Dewey, Lewey and Screwy. Must be congenial and organized. Excellent typing skills a must. Applicants should be efficient ... but not too efficient.
No.908
