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.
. C1 y$ M: A% K# t
So 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:
+ r2 z$ \/ `0 N. i& _+ C. }
/ G7 x' E, r1 R: kDay 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
) p$ W/ C. ]2 H  X            I am fine, thanks!       (You)

Day 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
5 {4 E6 |. ~5 z. E. U% m            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
* S' x. p% c' ]" H( j$ T# R            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)

4 O" G9 {" F7 J0 e, N  E+ UDay 3: Repeat
            Repeat
            Repeat
. O. Z' B$ O* W* Z- d* m3 ]            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
            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)
! S4 ~5 p* w# A) M8 f' i           Poor you, oh, I wish you have a good weekend, and come back with a good mood. You know what I mean. (You)

! d( X& }. A7 ^0 S: Z9 `0 p% UNext Monday: Repeat
                        Repeat
( D0 v/ B/ g, N3 v9 ~                        How was your weekend? (You)
" f& Q: f  |8 g5 v3 v                        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)
                        Pigeon Lake. It was packed on the weekend. (Co-worker)
/ {% A4 q5 z$ X. k( _# v3 U                        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
- R1 n7 Y. e: ~1 e) C! s# a4 }9 `                        Bla—Bla—Bla
) Z+ W& k$ N) k0 ^/ f: A                        Then you see the boss walking by
                         It is time to stop.
; x: a8 I4 G9 k3 t9 P                     
* B( c: e3 F5 ]: Q, c
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.

[ 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.