by Vector » Thu Nov 30, 2006 12:48 am
There are lots of versions. Make it your own. If it doesn't come out like how you talk, change it to how you do talk.
In my version, it's not my roommate, because I don't have a roommate and I don't want to imply that I have one (it lowers your value). If you say "my friend" they will often assume you're talking about yourself. If you say "my friend Jeff" they will assume that it is really your friend. And my friend Jeff is still friends with his girlfriend from college.
Also, I never say "This'll only take a minute." I say "I've only got a minute, I've got to get back to my friends." One of them you're apologizing for taking their time. The other you're a busy and fun guy.
Modify it, make it something you're comfortable with. Some parts, the exact wording is important, other parts don't really matter at all.