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.
& B  C" l: x' U7 q6 P+ A
( _, I4 U" m1 S& |; h: DSo 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:
* y( A3 G2 x1 F& k, z
Day 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
, ]* g; x( v5 o5 _, W% z3 e            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
            I am fine, thanks!       (You)

Day 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)
+ [% u8 W: G) `
Day 3: Repeat
/ D8 u3 K1 g9 J8 `            Repeat
8 Z0 a) M% M3 M% z            Repeat
            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
% G) |. b9 W+ k            Finally, so do you have plan for the weekend? (You)
4 L7 h' e6 o7 {            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)
2 U/ N6 F8 d. G! F$ ~& D5 l! o5 a. |           Poor you, oh, I wish you have a good weekend, and come back with a good mood. You know what I mean. (You)
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7 H% v1 M! d- fNext Monday: Repeat
0 o5 q7 F) f4 s8 Y  R" F                        Repeat
6 |. ~: \. }7 N9 @8 }  F                        How was your weekend? (You)
5 j8 I8 r3 n( b: b7 u3 ?( J, B( _$ a0 G1 S                        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)
& f" h% L# J0 p5 f                        Is that right? Where does your mother-in-law live? (You)
                        Pigeon Lake. It was packed on the weekend. (Co-worker)
                        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
7 m& ~5 o- W7 f; C  `                        Then you see the boss walking by
8 v  E0 d; W9 T) X                         It is time to stop.
" ~  r, I  ?: k" A1 I8 A                     

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.

" ]% i& ~3 `. [2 |9 b# t[ 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.