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.

! e7 K& y/ O8 J4 Q$ N+ J2 rSo here are some of self-made rules which have worked well for me.

# b6 e& s1 n* y5 D) r+ ^9 PEvery 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)
            I am fine, thanks!       (You)

) U! c+ d$ D3 ^, D! I' MDay 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
2 u6 {0 ?* u* P            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
" P3 |# ~3 f3 }            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)

Day 3: Repeat
            Repeat
7 w  a; z# ]9 Y9 I4 O& X- d            Repeat
$ j% D* @; M5 J3 {2 c8 g# |' E            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
            Finally, so do you have plan for the weekend? (You)
7 D7 {) x# x) |$ `/ `+ I) b' z            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)

: ^2 W% y) Y0 o: I* y9 ^Next Monday: Repeat
% Y) Q! D4 v% o$ I- l. W  F                        Repeat
" x2 b7 _! b9 L; a6 L% v                        How was your weekend? (You)
4 L6 N1 y9 q( j, P" [                        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)
& c9 B  q( x7 J" p                        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.
% V. l2 d4 U9 B/ c# p                        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
, G( j3 \  t. r+ B! c                        Then you see the boss walking by
                         It is time to stop.
                     

. r1 ]" H0 o+ R: G4 O3 nThe above mentioned examples are under daily small talks or gossip category.  The serious business conversation will be with another topic.
! _9 h9 i$ C  b5 a) kAnd 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.