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.

So here are some of self-made rules which have worked well for me.
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" @. }8 k( F  a8 S6 E8 p& ]Every morning, practice the chat and image that you are both A and B actors or actresses:

: R) E+ {# t- c3 m/ g- q( bDay 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
5 Q9 l, ~1 y5 D  t  Z  b            I am fine, thanks!       (You)
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8 w1 Y8 U/ D- I* |$ q1 K% TDay 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
( g5 |6 x9 T& m6 F3 b) |6 @, f% l            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
9 F. v) r1 O2 N  _& M4 e+ N; v, n            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
* A9 j1 p0 k3 F% Z! L  G            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)

Day 3: Repeat
            Repeat
            Repeat
            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
            Finally, so do you have plan for the weekend? (You)
- E+ A" y4 ]6 p- t+ T5 p  A            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)
+ ~3 y/ _6 n  J& M  ^           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
" H8 y8 {9 @% G. H! [! {                        Repeat
% B# e, I; h& U0 m# B! 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)
# ?3 j( K2 H' c  n                        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.
* J. ~0 W% n9 F+ X- }5 ~1 `+ ^                        Really, I don’t know you like fishing, may be you should come with me next time.
9 X: w* C0 i: Y) x( o0 E( O                        Great idea and I will
: V. u2 R3 d+ }$ |" q1 ]                        Bla—Bla—Bla
/ v! |; ]3 G! Y" y& L# B                        Then you see the boss walking by
                         It is time to stop.
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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.
0 M( q* `, R  |# l- u# S; j3 h+ G! KAnd I advise everyone should find the way that works best for her/him.
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[ 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.