It’s a job for a ventriloquist!

Image supplied by book authority.

When you arrive at a busy coffee shop, and they’re running a queue, when did it become ‘the norm’ for a pseudo barista to shout out to you, 27th in line,

“What drink do you want”!!

and actually expect you to holler the order back.

If I holler back and the line is slow … I potentially get a cold ‘hot’ beverage, alternatively a warm ‘cold’ beverage – either way, it’s sub standard.

Is it an attempt to hold me as a “beverage hostage”? I’m not in the drive-through, so I’m invested. I fought for a parking space for this bloody coffee … so I’m having it! They need not worry.

I’m guessing a ventriloquist started the holler back approach – they’re the only ones who can project a voice that far. Or feel the need to. I’m not doing it, I’m remaining tight lipped, this customer remains untamed, wild and free!

But if I was queuing for an internal body organ or prosthetic … shout out or not … I think I would respond immediately. You?

Ordering a coffee is a hugely personal experience, I feel. I’d prefer to do it up close and personal, face to face, Mano a Mano! Not unlike a back alley drug deal, not that I’ve done a back alley anything …!

I mean if you simply holler back: