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 F5 V5 g& K7 V+ d' N3 ESo here are some of self-made rules which have worked well for me.

# S! E- }' y9 Z4 M1 }0 GEvery morning, practice the chat and image that you are both A and B actors or actresses:

# h$ d, N9 \# h* V$ S( r% S$ YDay 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
            I am fine, thanks!       (You)
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Day 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
" M$ r2 X% U4 N8 Y' j* d" |$ `            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
. _7 H1 j$ K! Q+ Y            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)

; e2 c1 u$ \6 T) S8 WDay 3: Repeat
            Repeat
/ V, ^7 g  S/ ?' Q* K            Repeat
            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
            Finally, so do you have plan for the weekend? (You)
' u9 Y: X6 r7 f: G8 @  w7 _5 j            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)
5 y' s! i3 L: M2 t. b, J; U
- g+ r& c( ?, F8 P) uNext Monday: Repeat
                        Repeat
4 g/ s- b( z1 o" X4 X9 ], C0 Q8 Y, C                        How was your weekend? (You)
' E0 A0 U8 W2 d0 t4 d                        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)
                        Oh, Pigeon Lake, I have been there once and we caught some good fish.
7 o. l+ z! p: r* m& B8 a                        Really, I don’t know you like fishing, may be you should come with me next time.
' Y$ h/ e9 }/ f  ]; J# l$ G8 q, s                        Great idea and I will
                        Bla—Bla—Bla
                        Then you see the boss walking by
/ J* Q' G, n( d/ k( l                         It is time to stop.
                     

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.
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[ 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.