Cold War

Matrix

I would like to take this chance to talk about the issues of how to make a last and profound conversation with locals since some friends have complained that they only have the ability to do the short talks with co-workers or strangers. I call the short talk the Cold War, meaning it is a long last personal struggle or an impossible mission. I still remember I have encountered few embarrass seniors few years ago, but things are getting better year after year. Since this summer, I start to feel very comfortable as I chat with people I met every day. For example, I need to find some info around the place I just moved in. While I was driving around the blocks this afternoon, I saw a good lady was mending her yard. She was the only person I can find, so I decided to talk to this lady. I parked the car and greeted to her. I asked her about the neighborhood such as banks, supermarkets and so on. She answered me with her best capability. Then she invited me to her condo to have a little chat. She wrote down some of the contact names and the numbers of her friends in case I need more help and told me about few neighbor’s stories. At the end, I got plenty of information than I intended to. It all came very natural and our conversation was quite enjoyable.

3 y2 P/ n# f- NSo here are some of self-made rules which have worked well for me.

Every morning, practice the chat and image that you are both A and B actors or actresses:
5 `. l8 g. s1 S& W  r/ s! G- a; Y
Day 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
/ m# S, _: d( [- l+ ?' g            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
            I am fine, thanks!       (You)

, e2 b/ c1 d' E5 BDay 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
3 r. @5 i) B. w1 K            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
* b' T4 O+ t) R9 t( W% I            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)

4 S/ ^; V9 i9 U& a8 ?! @: v4 ^Day 3: Repeat
# n: q3 E. C4 Q7 b$ r; o: @8 Q            Repeat
            Repeat
' p' J) u; u' [; M; _4 B            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
% u$ h5 j0 g4 j            Finally, so do you have plan for the weekend? (You)
            Oh, ya, I am going to visit my mother-in-law even I hates her, but my husband will make me to see her. (Co-worker)
           Poor you, oh, I wish you have a good weekend, and come back with a good mood. You know what I mean. (You)
' m0 K) |3 \- a: f, s' V3 U
Next Monday: Repeat
                        Repeat
5 B8 \% t1 G% I& n# ?# h- i! Q7 v                        How was your weekend? (You)
, M2 }0 k3 F( w" O. g$ O                        Not bad. My mother-in-law was so tolerable this time, and she made a big super. So we all sit outside and enjoyed the beautiful day with family. (Co-worker)
                        Is that right? Where does your mother-in-law live? (You)
' M7 L4 |( R- B/ f) |) y                        Pigeon Lake. It was packed on the weekend. (Co-worker)
* l  R* x: d. O  W! p                        Oh, Pigeon Lake, I have been there once and we caught some good fish.
                        Really, I don’t know you like fishing, may be you should come with me next time.
                        Great idea and I will
                        Bla—Bla—Bla
                        Then you see the boss walking by
4 K, U6 l/ T  n* M( z" O                         It is time to stop.
                     
: P$ k% X% e9 H( }' \0 u. H( {
The above mentioned examples are under daily small talks or gossip category.  The serious business conversation will be with another topic.
And I advise everyone should find the way that works best for her/him.
) @4 ]  L2 K, v! T6 T  O9 G/ S
[ 本帖最后由 Matrix 于 2008-8-27 23:47 编辑 ]

billzhao

Excellent! and some flowers for you to show my great appreciation.