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.

0 h" B, J/ z6 RSo 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:

Day 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
( v2 }0 L" W7 r; V            I am fine, thanks!       (You)

Day 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
+ i/ V+ L% A: K; Z            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
7 Q& a+ Q' L5 t2 z# g3 ^            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
% O! ?' e- j/ m3 l7 J            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)

  n" |6 Z/ g* GDay 3: Repeat
) l& X" b3 p: ^8 H8 w- F+ i) A            Repeat
% L4 h) K8 H1 k, U            Repeat
2 o( A% R0 [- p            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
5 e3 n  S. Z$ |. }* y4 P9 Q            Finally, so do you have plan for the weekend? (You)
" t/ U# u9 B- Y" K            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)

Next Monday: Repeat
+ K$ `& ^) w' f" H7 d8 \; R                        Repeat
2 ^# ?- E" j2 a1 N  j                        How was your weekend? (You)
                        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)
7 y2 H% R, E1 b' n* R  y1 q                        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
                        Then you see the boss walking by
                         It is time to stop.
                     
( u5 K% w2 n' t( p2 S- S) X8 K& B
& a" |/ {+ e5 YThe above mentioned examples are under daily small talks or gossip category.  The serious business conversation will be with another topic.
. d$ s/ F5 L% o  WAnd I advise everyone should find the way that works best for her/him.
1 n0 |) q2 d& l
7 g2 f! ^" g8 O: H* l" {[ 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.