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.
, b- D+ P/ e* Z( S
" W7 C* c1 I" [- J  gSo here are some of self-made rules which have worked well for me.

) P" q/ q! E$ V& Z$ T. xEvery 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)
  q! o) G8 k6 {6 R5 G* q* C+ t0 l            I am fine, thanks!       (You)

Day 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
+ n( \" J- _! L; \0 d+ c+ Q0 P! S            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
% ], l# B) ~6 I% k) {& |; `            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
' n; Q1 D; y+ M) s; J; q& k0 Q            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)
2 t* s8 g+ l3 ]# B! E' R1 Q
Day 3: Repeat
5 H  l; Z, u; [# ]            Repeat
4 r/ Q7 q$ a5 y% i            Repeat
            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
            Finally, so do you have plan for the weekend? (You)
; [6 G2 y# x8 [% B/ [            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)

' i" Q$ C. ^" w' d# i, SNext Monday: Repeat
                        Repeat
3 W! i3 @# G7 X8 Y) G  Q                        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)
4 v* n! F( Y! T6 v- S: s/ n                        Is that right? Where does your mother-in-law live? (You)
& U& Q) [# ^9 z  K                        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
% e) a4 m( @* b% L6 c+ M, \                        Then you see the boss walking by
5 I; A) G1 S+ K/ N4 o                         It is time to stop.
                     

: [. d! c; i3 p  X& `1 o* nThe 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.

) W! u, Z9 L5 N7 y1 \: |* o[ 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.