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.
. G1 R4 X1 [5 v# Y5 S) v
So here are some of self-made rules which have worked well for me.
. r/ l: S' [3 s* j' X$ A. ]
Every morning, practice the chat and image that you are both A and B actors or actresses:
+ v" q! T$ M9 i* g
Day 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
- g; e' F. L2 {! K: d            I am fine, thanks!       (You)
5 [: E2 P! s9 J3 B: s/ v
4 s0 i5 h1 Z) L9 d9 f) O! rDay 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
8 W( ]( Y$ P2 Q; a# |            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)

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)
6 i& c% d# ?4 B7 i+ G           Poor you, oh, I wish you have a good weekend, and come back with a good mood. You know what I mean. (You)
) ?$ o* N3 l$ ]4 p" \( V; V
, U8 J* @; i$ |2 d+ J: Y2 W6 CNext Monday: Repeat
                        Repeat
                        How was your weekend? (You)
" _. k' q5 ]3 a  c6 y5 {+ A9 p& u# u2 @                        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)
0 G  q5 }/ o* l9 q1 j/ u& p6 g                        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.
% {" {- w% n9 @& F                        Great idea and I will
                        Bla—Bla—Bla
! R7 H& d9 I  v; q5 I* p                        Then you see the boss walking by
                         It is time to stop.
                     

8 n) S) g6 x( m7 o" WThe 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.
0 z) Z5 o! T# K4 e4 G0 ]
[ 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.