Hidden messages to a bank manager
Many modern business transactions are very positive, but some of them are unproductive, frustrating and time-consuming. The writer of the letter has used irony together with some typical business terms and procedures to express her criticism of her bank. This matching game aims to make it clear what her underlying message actually is. It is not an exact science, so some messages are just approximate versions, but it is a form of humour which British people use quite a lot.
1. [Match]
Match the written statements with the messages which are most probably what the customer actually means.
Answers for Quiz [1].
- 1. I refer, of course, to the automatic monthly deposit of my pension (correct)
- 2. I am writing to thank you for bouncing my cheque (correct)
- 3. I am confronted by the impersonal, overcharging, pre-recorded, faceless entity which your bank has become. (correct)
- 4. I must also levy an establishment fee (correct)
- 5. this incident has caused me to rethink my errant financial ways (correct)
- 6. I regret that the PIN number cannot be shorter than 28 digits (correct)
- 7. uplifting music will play for the duration of the call (correct)
- 8. your humble client (correct)
- 9. In due course, I will issue your employee with a PIN number which he/she must quote in dealings with me. (correct)
2. [Match]
More hidden messages…….
Answers for Quiz [2].
- 1. pending the attention of my automated answering service involving a lengthy wait (correct)
- 2. You are to be commended for debiting my account x amount of money (correct)
- 3. I am sorry it runs to eight pages (correct)
- 4. You are to be commended for seizing that brief window of opportunity (correct)
- 5. an arrangement which, I admit, has been in place for only eight years (correct)
- 6. May I wish you a happy, if ever so slightly less prosperous, New Year. (correct)