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 q+ j: k9 j! N; q
) E/ e  g& W) U: y# n* ASo here are some of self-made rules which have worked well for me.

- U$ ]1 D( y* a1 I/ wEvery morning, practice the chat and image that you are both A and B actors or actresses:
, A& _/ h4 Q. f7 X. o: d; ]
Day 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
: M: x, t1 w9 |2 S! H& T9 \            I am fine, thanks!       (You)
& `, w$ D! J! |2 J- f, S( Q
/ j4 x; p6 _3 s$ e3 F  {Day 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
7 @! h1 u7 f  u) A            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
) Y4 e/ y( P7 t2 y% e+ S            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)
$ F: g: c; Q3 C/ b3 G: |% {0 H/ w
! x3 C# X/ L/ h+ f, \; eDay 3: Repeat
) F2 ?; t6 F. y8 n5 n            Repeat
            Repeat
            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
            Finally, so do you have plan for the weekend? (You)
# L+ S/ `, q  W. U# d5 Y3 a; ^2 d            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)
/ A! r5 O$ H+ x+ ?, {           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
                        Repeat
                        How was your weekend? (You)
. X! L* n* Z! }% B% A# 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)
                        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.
) _/ @3 z( V/ b% Q4 B; d                        Great idea and I will
                        Bla—Bla—Bla
                        Then you see the boss walking by
                         It is time to stop.
# i+ c4 C, g) E3 X: V$ y                     
* v' k2 X+ M" Z+ C4 e
The above mentioned examples are under daily small talks or gossip category.  The serious business conversation will be with another topic.
* I4 L9 A4 }1 ?- a7 gAnd 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.