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.

! \2 G% ^( c( }/ d8 QSo here are some of self-made rules which have worked well for me.
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Every morning, practice the chat and image that you are both A and B actors or actresses:
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Day 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
+ {: A* w; i1 b4 S2 e8 K; A9 K            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
            I am fine, thanks!       (You)
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Day 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
9 a7 P. m& c' L+ n3 ^            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)
, g7 t3 }4 |# \, F! s% l! @* h            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)

Day 3: Repeat
. V6 K2 d9 k8 N, p3 T4 G( x# N* |            Repeat
. c( P% j$ u1 G( k' E* Y            Repeat
0 |, A; s0 P% F/ z* x4 x) @8 V5 D8 t) r            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)
+ }' v& ^' H6 L           Poor you, oh, I wish you have a good weekend, and come back with a good mood. You know what I mean. (You)
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# _$ p' K5 z, PNext Monday: Repeat
7 `  w  C: _% e% ^" o) P                        Repeat
% |3 M' T8 @8 B" }( s+ l9 z3 K                        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)
* Y5 \, O+ a- r) I4 W; `4 m, u                        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.
7 w  W9 V" t7 W$ M8 I                        Great idea and I will
3 r# I1 x+ ?5 j2 j* J+ F+ Q                        Bla—Bla—Bla
                        Then you see the boss walking by
                         It is time to stop.
                     
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1 I. O; |3 Q. n. y  s( JThe 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.
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  q) \, H! L) ]: K5 ^& g[ 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.