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.

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

Every morning, practice the chat and image that you are both A and B actors or actresses:

9 C5 o9 Q. i. r! B/ cDay 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
            I am fine, thanks!       (You)

Day 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
; d: V5 e( |( j! R; m! B            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
* c" @4 h7 W3 u* |, H            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)

# Y% T2 ?4 G+ {# @$ x& F; A& VDay 3: Repeat
9 B; o9 \6 n3 K0 t+ C0 ?* v            Repeat
& ?; T9 t4 @4 D, u8 f            Repeat
            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
            Finally, so do you have plan for the weekend? (You)
( }9 C. p8 u  c: q; 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)
# I/ C( C, f7 t% `, @) ?           Poor you, oh, I wish you have a good weekend, and come back with a good mood. You know what I mean. (You)
5 |8 p2 V. z: ]" C3 a5 [3 n" [
9 ]2 q+ D% F. F* t/ B! ONext Monday: Repeat
* l% j! q/ T( b                        Repeat
3 U, [8 L% l( Q! b/ Z+ j                        How was your weekend? (You)
* T# G; |; Q) M( s6 C! 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)
                        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.
                        Great idea and I will
5 u/ {5 C/ A/ _3 N: X                        Bla—Bla—Bla
                        Then you see the boss walking by
                         It is time to stop.
                     

1 D" Y" h3 S& x, N& ^The above mentioned examples are under daily small talks or gossip category.  The serious business conversation will be with another topic.
( W6 @* G3 L* i& [, I9 ^$ c: pAnd I advise everyone should find the way that works best for her/him.

# l% O) u& s7 K1 _[ 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.