Have you ever opened your mouth and unexpected words erupted from your lips? Have you ever gotten your syllables twisted and the wrong words came out? Were you shocked when you realized what you actually said? Did you glance around quickly to see if anyone noticed? Yep, they noticed!
In my many years of customer service working with the public, I have seen lots of things along the way and quite a variety of people, including those in the workplace. I have also heard things that brought shock, laughter, and surprise.
Twenty plus years ago, our institution offered a new deposit product for our Senior Citizens. It became one of our most popular accounts.
One day, an elderly gentleman on the other side of ninety-years-old shuffled in and approached one of our Customer Service Representatives to inquire about establishing an account. The employee explained all the benefits that came with the account. Being hard of hearing, the old man said, “Heh? What did you say?” The lady repeated the benefits, one of which was “free checks.” He said, “Heh? What did you say?” She yelled, “You get free sex with that.”
The world stopped as her words echoed all the way through the building. Immediately my wide eyes met those of my co-worker who sat closest to me. We tried to contain our surprise and our laughter with no avail. I was laughing so hard, I had to get up from my desk and go to the back. When the lady who misspoke realized what she said, she grinned just a bit but didn’t miss a beat. Of course, the man, though he made no indication that he truly heard what she said, told her, “I’ll take that account.” We figured if he really cashed in on the benefits, he would die of a heart attack.
For those who didn’t hear, word soon spread to employees and the public, to which they asked, “She said what?” Not long ago, one of our older customers asked if we still offer the same benefits with that account. I said, “No,” she doesn’t work here anymore.