The Panhandler's Script

I travel the subways most everyday and I have seen my fair share of beggars. They make their plea. They have their script memorized, timed out to the exact length of the ride to the next stop. They recite it robotically, just as they did it the past 400 times. Inflectionless, emotionless, lifeless. They numbly get through it, and see mild results: coins here or there, maybe even a bit of paper. 

I was thinking about how they give their argument a little soul. Make their script sing. Maybe they can find a way to talk to and through people so they want to open their wallets. As an ad copy guy, I thought I’d give this a crack. 

They have 60 seconds to make their case, pitch me, if you will. Why I should give them money? What would make me listen?

Perhaps this?

“I had the job. I had the wife, I had the comfortable home. I’m here to tell you that I lost all of it with a few bad decisions. I’m here to move forward, to put my life back together. And I could use a second chance, starting now. 

I have nothing but these clothes. I am staying with a close friend so I am not homeless, but I am penniless. I am asking my fellow passengers for a few dollars, so I can buy new clothes and look decent at a job interview. I humbly ask for anything you might spare. You help me, perhaps someone will lend a hand to you when you need it most.”

Would you be more inclined to donate?