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.

0 _! ~( F( ]& x/ {# }, @  zSo 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:

Day 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)
% c- J6 W& B8 ^3 A8 g9 M# H" K            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
' l# q3 n8 L( v: C            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)
4 e1 k. ^0 ?) Q7 E  ?, H; V& C/ f
Day 3: Repeat
            Repeat
7 K/ Y3 X- Q3 ]! L  z5 s5 ^            Repeat
            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
8 J, u0 m6 F1 t            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)

Next Monday: Repeat
0 t. Q# m7 N* Y% x; r. X                        Repeat
% d0 l! C: V; P) v! J" A                        How was your weekend? (You)
& Z/ Q8 M) o; t( ]                        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)
* V7 P5 B; f% e2 l                        Is that right? Where does your mother-in-law live? (You)
                        Pigeon Lake. It was packed on the weekend. (Co-worker)
8 ^5 N% N; h9 U- s# U# V# S* A                        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 P. o( P6 p3 g$ a0 g3 H                        Then you see the boss walking by
5 \: z) n+ C& C& V$ e                         It is time to stop.
                     
3 J  B- ?7 W' a( i4 h& q3 f- I
- [( Y- v6 N$ f% I# \# nThe above mentioned examples are under daily small talks or gossip category.  The serious business conversation will be with another topic.
9 E; \" p3 |- Q& MAnd I advise everyone should find the way that works best for her/him.

# s$ U( V' O" O+ b  d& }- N[ 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.