Always Seem Busy

Robert
Treborlang
Australia

Always Seem Busy
Everyone is generally very keen to impart the feeling that they've just been interrupted at something really important. This way not only do they appear busy but they are able to force the other person to act apologetic and tense, thus helping to keep up the level of anxiety all around.
  "Oh. It's you."
  "I am sorry, I didn't realise you were busy."
  "No, no, it's alright. I suppose."
  "You did say I should feel free to call in."
  "Yes... That was on Wednesday... Before this thing... But it doesn't matter... sort of."

  It is of the essence to understand that everyone is fascinated by the concept of being busy. Being busy is a sign of success. Not being busy is also a sign of success, but we'll go into that later.

  It was certainly a far cry from the business people I met in Rome who went to incredible lengths to point out that they were the least busy persons in the whole of Italy. Even if they had to stay up all night to finish their jobs, they would deny most vehemently that they were busy in any shape or form, and end up talking to me another hour or two just to prove the point.

To produce the best possible impression, most Aussies usually employ the following conversation. Remember - no matter what two professionals might need to talk about, it is much more important to discuss how busy you have been.
  "Sorry I haven't called you for a while but I've been flat out."
  "Oh. I wouldn't've had time to talk to you anyway. It's been absolutely hectic."
  "Anyway, I couldn't've even considered talking. Haven't been so busy in years."
  "Even if you did find some time, I've been up to my neck in work."
  "How could I? I've hardly had time to breathe."
  "Not as frantic as I."
  "You're joking! I was completely snowed under."
  "Well, I was going mad!"
  "Crazy!"
  "Hysterical!"

  But being too busy could be interpreted as trying too hard. Worse even - as being pushy and wanting to rise above those around you. So just in case, it's best to be well-prepared and carry the following dialogue to whip out on occasions when you might be thought overly ambitious.
  "In fact this is the first chance I've had to relax."
  "Same here. No good working too hard."
  "No point running yourself into the ground."
  "Man's only got one life."
  "Must take it easy."
  "Too much work makes Jack a dull jerk."

  The idea is to appear always tense (from being busy) but in a relaxed kind of way (from not being busy after all).

Copyright © 1991-2002 - Robert Treborlang

Robert
Treborlang
Australia

Roddy The Rooster & Friends

Site
by
JMV

Search | Home | Contents | Books

A Hop Through Australia's History