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The Verizon test guy has become an almost ubiquitous character in our consumer culture, and this fact is likely due to the almost obsessive branding guidelines for the character laid out by the Verizion advertising team. Unearthed by Consumerist, the style guide includes such particulars as:

• Test Man will come across folks from various ethnicities in order to evoke VZWs sense of and respect for diversity.

• In order to retain the equity we’ve built in the “V” sign, some of the people Test Man comes across will give him the “V” sign. He does not have to give the “V” sign back unless it feels natural to him. However, he must acknowledge them so that he does not appear to be aloof or rude. Remember, Test Man is focused but needs to portray a likeable character.

• He line should always be used in its entirety. No partial line and no use of “Can you hear me now?” without “Good!” to follow.

I wonder if the keep Test Man in a cage when they’re not using him…