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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- E; B- j0 b, RSo here are some of self-made rules which have worked well for me.

% m1 V, @/ p! S7 I. {+ EEvery morning, practice the chat and image that you are both A and B actors or actresses:
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Day 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
7 {% U6 r! T7 [: v7 d            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
" h/ u4 _( I. E9 ~, D$ f: x9 d            I am fine, thanks!       (You)
! B( M' e8 [# t, e% s3 J1 B
8 K: V6 _. Z9 Z* N% z! LDay 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
* O& p2 s( k/ @) {$ m! E: I: k$ \            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
$ F. G9 _/ h- [            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)
) d, _1 B# l. W
! q; f; ]  }+ P/ |. YDay 3: Repeat
, K, d" o* P( l. A2 |3 n            Repeat
1 o7 H$ U9 `$ B" a! r2 D            Repeat
# E- n3 Y" ^# O, S! x            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)
$ o0 w+ g# H+ D1 w' I4 r  c2 _: B           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
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                        How was your weekend? (You)
4 g% Q" m# M. }                        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.
) [+ U/ C* L6 h7 \# h) R, W1 T                        Really, I don’t know you like fishing, may be you should come with me next time.
) f) k3 c2 A7 [& m                        Great idea and I will
$ K% k# c" u1 T. [; G5 j                        Bla—Bla—Bla
                        Then you see the boss walking by
                         It is time to stop.
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+ u/ ]* W$ \# p; O0 EThe 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.