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.
1 ^( h5 h* E: \
, S" u6 a- r9 ~3 E6 |So 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)
+ Y! c# O/ Y+ j/ {, w" R            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
" @1 n# b  p# b4 W$ `/ y2 Y6 S) C            I am fine, thanks!       (You)

9 |( \( Z$ ^8 e" A2 [# M8 BDay 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
* [6 H3 i0 _) @+ Q            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
2 d2 C! a+ I$ }* w2 u, K7 g            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)

: g" u9 u: e. P* |& _Day 3: Repeat
$ B0 B8 _" o8 k( X$ }- N            Repeat
, J0 r2 e2 P% H5 o            Repeat
! ?5 B$ V2 S( c$ u  f4 b) [% K4 C            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)
* P, n* U4 y( q1 Y. w9 y9 V           Poor you, oh, I wish you have a good weekend, and come back with a good mood. You know what I mean. (You)
9 |, F2 a3 ?% ]( f  y# T
, I  b% d4 ]0 L" x& A1 }Next Monday: Repeat
                        Repeat
1 E3 Z6 a3 C: _' X2 i                        How was your weekend? (You)
. a4 B1 _" s' E/ U/ _                        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)
- p4 c4 U  J$ K" z# G: R; O' d                        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
2 u. J7 X* y9 R+ N: m, o                        Bla—Bla—Bla
                        Then you see the boss walking by
0 x8 O* F! u( ~% W, X                         It is time to stop.
( D- h) q$ M, G& O8 ?                     

& f0 S0 i6 ^& U2 N3 d! r5 gThe above mentioned examples are under daily small talks or gossip category.  The serious business conversation will be with another topic.
5 q7 T' @8 d) `9 mAnd 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.