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.

+ x, U- S1 P$ RSo 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:

: V# s: E# j* d2 c) v' a0 I' d! iDay 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
# J2 }6 T  A6 K+ K            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
            I am fine, thanks!       (You)

Day 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
            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)
            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)
; a$ K" U0 i$ l
; |4 c, n  L, P! \2 E* j0 ?Day 3: Repeat
: ^. {6 Z; t5 u6 r% |" ~            Repeat
8 L: N5 u5 O7 M            Repeat
            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
$ [2 z% f: |( I5 W( e8 l            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)
  N* i4 h! f" C" w+ R$ D' j* E2 F           Poor you, oh, I wish you have a good weekend, and come back with a good mood. You know what I mean. (You)
* J# R: s& C; ~" _1 D) P: U
Next Monday: Repeat
) h; A) \$ K4 q                        Repeat
                        How was your weekend? (You)
                        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 p3 q0 v3 i0 E2 |0 K' D  [                        Is that right? Where does your mother-in-law live? (You)
. Q  k9 q0 h  P  I6 ^7 {0 b                        Pigeon Lake. It was packed on the weekend. (Co-worker)
                        Oh, Pigeon Lake, I have been there once and we caught some good fish.
4 B5 R7 M% r; `5 {3 s6 G% j                        Really, I don’t know you like fishing, may be you should come with me next time.
) w9 P2 {' c' C, z9 V/ f) r                        Great idea and I will
% j2 Q) l( R4 @/ c- V( L                        Bla—Bla—Bla
- \5 [; |9 M! X  X8 \9 b                        Then you see the boss walking by
# X+ l4 M6 l6 z& }3 y                         It is time to stop.
                     
$ B7 o* Z  n" |3 c) R- _  j
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.

$ p8 T9 r/ q; c6 A5 F/ ~/ S" J[ 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.