This happened to me today at work. Possibly the oddest over-the-phone encounter I’ve had yet. I’ve had somewhat similar conversations before where I’m cut off just before I finish my little scripted greeting, but this one just took me by surprise. Usually the receptionists/operators aren’t as friendly as this one sounded… but never before did it sound like there was a reverse time delay in responses. It would’ve been fine if she were psychic and knew what I was asking before asking… but that wasn’t the case.
Receptionist: Healthcare-and-Such, this is Lindy-Lu, how can I help you?
Me: Hello Lindy-Lu, my name is Sterling and I am with Office’s–
Receptionist: Yes?
Me: –Quality Team…
Receptionist: How can I help you?
Me: Well, I’m currently in the process of validating–
Receptionist: Who is your doctor?
Me: –location information for Dr. Feezleberg.
Receptionist: I’m sorry; who is your primary doctor?
Me: …I’m with Office. I’m trying–
Receptionist: Oh! Okay! How can I help you?
Me: –to validate location information.
Receptionist: What are you looking for?
Me: I’m trying to get information for Dr. Feezleberg’s office.
Receptionist: Okay! Let me transfer you to–[click]
Fortunately, that wasn’t an I-just-hung-up-on-you “click” but an actual I-put-you-on-hold-to-transfer “click.” Although, sometimes, those clicks end up turning into a dial tone which is never a good thing because I’m usually not in the mood to call back right away. But this time I got through to exactly who I needed to talk to who almost seemed like an opposite of Lindy-Lu. Still friendly, but had a soft and almost too passive voice.
It’s calls and moments like this that make me stare blankly at the screen for a few moments, just to reflect on whatever just happened… wondering if it seemed strange.
That’s so annoying!!! Hahah. Like when a person finishes all you sentences WRONG!