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.
* G" z# j7 u: S. r# u$ a
So here are some of self-made rules which have worked well for me.
9 q' d0 \" {# S* W, n
; G+ F* G. ?; B; ]Every morning, practice the chat and image that you are both A and B actors or actresses:
0 i3 J5 w" G1 Q' b' }( c
Day 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
7 N+ ]/ q2 V- l6 J( A            I am fine, thanks!       (You)

7 H' ~: P6 Q4 DDay 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
7 E, x, |9 t: m            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
) m  Z0 Y7 L4 G, d, A$ @. d            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)
! v8 z. x+ d7 ^% Z% v( h1 C0 w7 O
Day 3: Repeat
            Repeat
8 s* k! j. i  i/ f. `9 v            Repeat
            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)
0 z# W! D# |* @  _# o           Poor you, oh, I wish you have a good weekend, and come back with a good mood. You know what I mean. (You)

/ S6 o+ S6 l$ S8 O1 I0 yNext Monday: Repeat
. d! u! z& _; i3 p6 U2 R' b                        Repeat
                        How was your weekend? (You)
- r( {* m! m1 N4 U: b2 L                        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)
/ H# `- H) N" s' l                        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.
. M$ k  C4 c$ R( l: P                        Really, I don’t know you like fishing, may be you should come with me next time.
                        Great idea and I will
, [7 ~6 ]+ v0 J2 J7 ?                        Bla—Bla—Bla
                        Then you see the boss walking by
! K# A9 J9 F6 J9 z! B' {" O$ ]                         It is time to stop.
                     

4 Q  o. t+ H" s1 X$ IThe 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.
& \8 \9 j6 K' B3 [
[ 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.