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.
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) d) C& n3 B3 V2 w4 D# Z( ~+ vSo here are some of self-made rules which have worked well for me.

' F+ o* G3 s( m8 |Every morning, practice the chat and image that you are both A and B actors or actresses:
" w) P+ M) t8 T- ?- ~
Day 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
% l$ M( j. I8 T            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
            I am fine, thanks!       (You)

! E) ^" E- Q2 ~0 c$ tDay 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
+ }( p/ j2 k7 I* t" N( `4 A% Y            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
* ^' z/ w1 ]) b/ S% e$ R3 c; `1 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)

Day 3: Repeat
' k3 ^1 O3 C3 |            Repeat
5 X& `5 G) Y/ I. n# e% Y% }! _            Repeat
            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
$ j( [4 W5 k) m+ ^+ i. @% C* e, K            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)
, S' v; s' u: G0 d  f& L           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
. B2 c7 h+ R. k% i                        Repeat
# n& Z0 D/ e$ O6 G& \! X, q                        How was your weekend? (You)
+ X  [. y; Q6 k% G( b. n                        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)
( K' G1 T5 p3 _3 \& W7 u                        Pigeon Lake. It was packed on the weekend. (Co-worker)
                        Oh, Pigeon Lake, I have been there once and we caught some good fish.
& Z( E! Y) \6 ]; P                        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
& t/ b5 n0 l) `" t                         It is time to stop.
# a9 P1 [1 j: k9 w                     
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The above mentioned examples are under daily small talks or gossip category.  The serious business conversation will be with another topic.
7 T& I5 E- Z  c0 ?% y' c, |And I advise everyone should find the way that works best for her/him.

0 C$ y1 q; I+ J[ 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.