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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So here are some of self-made rules which have worked well for me.

8 R# e' d* ^. AEvery 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)
: P& r5 q6 v5 _: v            I am fine, thanks!       (You)
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7 T! N* W+ u! c  f- S& J# ]Day 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
1 Y5 {( ]& F% a1 t6 C1 G& 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)
( H( [$ A% A4 l# U% e: U* ~            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)
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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)
            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)

Next Monday: Repeat
                        Repeat
# s: V% _  w; F+ N; ^                        How was your weekend? (You)
0 b# @. R# i/ b1 C; P5 h                        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)
$ D2 z; K# k7 ^2 |                        Is that right? Where does your mother-in-law live? (You)
, R. P, N7 I0 G% h' m                        Pigeon Lake. It was packed on the weekend. (Co-worker)
7 r) @6 a! \8 ]9 V4 v: f( D8 E                        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.
5 E. p- i$ L# Z; H* K6 X                        Great idea and I will
# K( x' _; Y% g# V                        Bla—Bla—Bla
                        Then you see the boss walking by
                         It is time to stop.
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- Q+ q: S  D' P: h3 u) l, V* t8 E  aThe 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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& X2 A; i/ M% n& l6 L4 X3 Y4 T[ 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.