Call waiting
I get a lot of calls from publicists.
When I'm on the phone, they go to voice mail.
Some of them are short and to the point: "I'm Miffy, and I'm calling about the event on Thursday for 'New Movie.' Give me a call and we'll chat [insert phone number here]." Click.
I call those folks back.
Then there are these folks: "Hi, I'm Annoying Twit from Such-and-Such Publicity Company and I wanted to see if you were interested in joining us for cocktails and a meal this Thursday at 'Possibly Interesting But Overly Long Winded Title for Event.' It's going to have Jane Doe, who won an award for being first in the list; plus [names of at least two to three other people there]. I know you're going to really enjoy it and I hope you'll be able to cover it for your party page. So let me know if you can come. I'm at [insert phone number here, most often rushed faster than anything else that's been said thus far]."
Those folks get cut off halfway through. Unless I'm just dying to go. But even then if they've already emailed an invite or two.
I heard you! I heard you! Now stop wasting my time. Keep it short, keep it easy, and keep that phone number audible.
Thank you for your attention.
[this is good]
YES! For sanity’s sake, say the phone number clearly and slow enough I can write it down !! Kinda important for a call back, people.
It’s my #1 working world pet peeve.
Of course, the folks who’re least likely to speak their phone number clearly are also the folks who spend a good minute and a half with their spiel. Then you have to go back and listen to it again if you want to get the number … gah!