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.
4 \. v0 a9 ?6 `7 q) [
So here are some of self-made rules which have worked well for me.
3 Z/ W! w, F/ Z9 F
Every morning, practice the chat and image that you are both A and B actors or actresses:

7 ]: H" e5 P8 C4 K, e9 J4 F& eDay 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
            I am fine, thanks!       (You)

Day 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
8 K% ^) S" M( D9 _9 U. g4 B            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' L- a% a5 S            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)
2 \5 L1 v5 @$ @! t* c! Z, O* `
, @$ I$ i* \. A/ iDay 3: Repeat
; U  X- A/ m9 j+ O. r+ Z0 D  T( U1 J            Repeat
# m8 S/ z  y) ?& W* @0 _            Repeat
            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
7 x& r' m, ]0 u1 |            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)

6 g& s' [4 V* LNext Monday: Repeat
                        Repeat
  A: k3 {, @' l) {5 ?& I                        How was your weekend? (You)
6 w/ o" r  o# K                        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)
8 d7 U  |0 l: r! P) o                        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
                        Bla—Bla—Bla
9 P9 H9 e% ?, N7 n/ u                        Then you see the boss walking by
                         It is time to stop.
# E6 P% p* n' u$ d& f! v                     
1 U& p. E  ?" B' l' O( ~
The above mentioned examples are under daily small talks or gossip category.  The serious business conversation will be with another topic.
( M- G$ x/ v- {% R  Z9 VAnd I advise everyone should find the way that works best for her/him.
: d' y, D1 n, d; P1 t
& j- ?7 }- O' Q- o, {[ 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.