Actually I really know what you mean, I think people put their voice like that when they're trying to get what they want, smooth things over, be sneaky, be manipulative... Any of those things

You can sometimes detect a certain tone which combined with the words used, can indicate the person probably isn't going to actually make it to a booking. Certain words and phrases in text and emails, the style, content etc also can give a feel of "this person is going to play with me" or "He's going to be difficult". Final decision is always does the person turn up and how are they in person, emails, texts, phone calls can be misleading and you can't rely on them 100%, but they do give a guide and the sleazy drawl, usually containing the words "I'm a businessman" as if those 2 words should convince me he's not an axe murderer, offering champagne or promises of lengthy 'regular' bookings also get my spidey senseys onto full alert.

Yes that's the right way to describe it Amy - clearly put on. I couldn't think of the phrase in my sleepiness last night haha

Yes I have noticed the sleazy voice, kind of a smarmy half whisper usually starting with  "hello darrrhhliiin" then at some point in the conversation "are you (feeling) horny" or "what are you wearing" lol x

I find it impossible to believe that they taik that way when they're calling their plumber.

Actually, it's not entirely impossible. There are some very freaky freaks out there.

I hang up on so many people the second i hear this tone!!! - i think if you've been independent and taking your own calls for a while you develop a sense for this intangiable tone!!

i know i'm probably hanging up on a few who would be genuine but sometimes you can just hear in their voice that they will be ingenuine or hard work, i also get freaked out by the very sleazy sounding 'hello darling/babe' (not to be confused with the plumber type who use that phrase') don't know how to describe it, it just gives you the creeps. also careful if they sound too cocky.

as for the 'i'm a businessman' comment you know they're faking it, whether because they're trying to impress you or timewasting, i don't know of any genuine successful (legal) businessman who would give his occupation as 'businessman'.
The other type who like to use this term are the young ones who have just gotten their first professional job.. makes me laugh every time when you hear a geeky sounding 18 year old telling you he's a 'businessman'

xxx

makes me laugh every time when you hear a geeky sounding 18 year old telling you he's a 'businessman'

Oh bless... he he... got to laugh really!