There is nothing more annoying than when you’ve made an arrangement with someone and that person calls, texts or leaves you a voice-mail at the last minute to cancel.
Patrick: Hi, Jenny. It’s Patrick. I’m really sorry but I can’t make dinner tonight. I started getting a bad toothache at lunch time, and it’s gradually become worse all afternoon. I’ve managed to get an appointment at my dentist's this evening at six. I’m going crazy. I’ve taken some painkillers, but they’ve had no effect. You know what, I’m going to call the dentist again now and go there immediately. At least he can give me something to stop the pain while I wait for my appointment. I’m not going to wait until this evening. I’ll give you a call later when I get this sorted out. Bye.
Kate: Hi, Brian. I’m sorry but I won’t be able to come on the hike on Sunday. I’d forgotten, but my cousin is arriving from London to stay with us a couple of weeks and we are all going to the airport to meet him. I’d completely forgotten when I said I’d do Dragon’s Back with you guys. But Paul and Jenny will still be coming, I presume. I’ll give them a call just to check and to tell them I won’t be able to make it. Have a good time on Sunday. Send me photos!
Eddy: Good afternoon. This is a message from Fuji Electronics for Miss Yvonne Lee. This is Eddy, the delivery manager speaking. I am sorry but we have to cancel the delivery of your new television scheduled for tomorrow morning at ten. The cancellation is due to unforeseen circumstances. Please accept our sincere apologies. Could Miss Lee please call us on the number on the receipt on the sales invoice to schedule another day and time for delivery. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, and we look forward to hearing from you. Thank you.
(Professional, courteous tone) Peter: Hello. This message is for Ms Lisa Chun. It’s Peter Ng here. I have an appointment with you at two o’clock this afternoon for an interview as a company receptionist. I am really sorry, but I have to cancel the appointment. I heard this morning that the company where I had an interview last week has offered me a position and I have decided to accept. I didn’t want to waste your time by attending the interview with you this afternoon. Thank you very much for considering me and offering me an interview. I am sure you will find the perfect person for the job. Thank you again.