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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$ t% j& z6 e! j4 h1 j5 {So here are some of self-made rules which have worked well for me.
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Every 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)
5 D4 O# {4 u8 t! B/ d+ n; H; K            I am fine, thanks!       (You)
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. K# ]# x: C3 r( u7 `: GDay 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
' f* v) k# B& X            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
8 ^  E, z2 Z* v5 u1 N            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)

: q( h7 }% h3 f9 qDay 3: Repeat
            Repeat
( N5 Q9 Y( G$ a4 P. P: c            Repeat
            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
$ f/ j+ i( [; N* ?1 r  ]            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)
7 h1 ~0 J! `. f) `           Poor you, oh, I wish you have a good weekend, and come back with a good mood. You know what I mean. (You)
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* ~! c& H1 w* L) pNext Monday: Repeat
                        Repeat
                        How was your weekend? (You)
3 v% _, i% c7 \) s$ G1 _                        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)
) s9 j9 v( z3 q                        Oh, Pigeon Lake, I have been there once and we caught some good fish.
/ o( f! W6 H' a$ m9 G: x! W                        Really, I don’t know you like fishing, may be you should come with me next time.
+ b7 m" E& W9 `) }                        Great idea and I will
                        Bla—Bla—Bla
                        Then you see the boss walking by
# g. i7 {5 z8 Z# G, G4 N/ l                         It is time to stop.
                     

The 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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5 R* \; W, t3 y% M8 g) C[ 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.