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.

- G7 X- M6 K! SSo here are some of self-made rules which have worked well for me.

" k" O* l# k& z* e$ J7 f% j3 XEvery morning, practice the chat and image that you are both A and B actors or actresses:

1 D( k7 o" i. P% d$ L% X7 \Day 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
) g/ t) s% M) C0 e1 z            I am fine, thanks!       (You)

Day 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
, R6 F* Y- n7 r. a            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)
  j, J* V) q" J  K2 P5 u            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)

& X% l% b3 I1 f/ _7 e5 lDay 3: Repeat
            Repeat
" S2 Z4 u* x' y+ X( ]            Repeat
/ o, r: v9 v) W            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
            Finally, so do you have plan for the weekend? (You)
% |4 x: P1 ~% E$ H( ~6 ?  Q            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)

" ?; \, w0 A" V/ j! dNext Monday: Repeat
( X1 N# q; g  f, u                        Repeat
5 `/ m0 O/ M5 {: q' _* p                        How was your weekend? (You)
0 k8 A4 y) x2 N* I                        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)
- e& j$ f) S1 m5 U3 F$ ~                        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.
  Q8 p% i% S& n" ?# `                        Great idea and I will
& a9 V% b! u. i( e                        Bla—Bla—Bla
                        Then you see the boss walking by
                         It is time to stop.
' m9 Q9 o5 ~1 e4 ?                     

+ \) V9 d9 s7 X: s. ?$ C, TThe above mentioned examples are under daily small talks or gossip category.  The serious business conversation will be with another topic.
% m1 D; w1 j6 s9 j) T" n& T9 TAnd I advise everyone should find the way that works best for her/him.
4 b" N7 `0 J- h, h+ Q
5 X1 k; y& J7 o9 w0 M" O5 t4 b[ 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.