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.
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  `* u& D+ `% CSo here are some of self-made rules which have worked well for me.
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% G5 x* _; q  f+ s( OEvery morning, practice the chat and image that you are both A and B actors or actresses:
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+ B: R2 y& A7 eDay 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
6 }* t& q5 \" {! B0 Y- _            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
! ]' d) J2 }9 T! I            I am fine, thanks!       (You)
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; G( V3 S" K, b. O  ?Day 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
3 Y: \8 n5 u( e3 e. w% T            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)
            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)
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% }$ j- u+ N/ |% _Day 3: Repeat
* R! j: |9 `5 `% e. Y            Repeat
6 v* _( L. O3 \$ N- h4 I            Repeat
! O3 h1 C# W" Z0 d  ]            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)
( O: M; n& t( J! o4 y           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
' h+ s1 O! W. ?4 P                        Repeat
                        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)
                        Is that right? Where does your mother-in-law live? (You)
                        Pigeon Lake. It was packed on the weekend. (Co-worker)
! r; m/ Z9 m# [                        Oh, Pigeon Lake, I have been there once and we caught some good fish.
8 k  O) t1 {- J! U( u- ~                        Really, I don’t know you like fishing, may be you should come with me next time.
                        Great idea and I will
5 O, J1 R/ s) m1 }# O                        Bla—Bla—Bla
                        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.
And I advise everyone should find the way that works best for her/him.

* l1 z' U! s+ L& }[ 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.