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.
. l$ b( ?! v" B( L
: i$ H' O) H/ _7 T6 x5 QSo 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)
7 Y' S4 O9 n: ?( `+ Z! P            I am fine, thanks!       (You)
2 t; l' `& v. l3 a: [2 v0 q
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)
- @4 z' D+ e) D3 j9 V, y8 ~. a% q
Day 3: Repeat
            Repeat
  B9 A  d* O& a7 F( \            Repeat
4 y. r8 D: v- o) r            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)
  m5 q2 t4 X2 V3 G           Poor you, oh, I wish you have a good weekend, and come back with a good mood. You know what I mean. (You)

+ e- W/ ~9 f% |1 ^- l: P! h" E5 eNext Monday: Repeat
                        Repeat
, L" Y  f1 Z9 C7 r0 T% U# ^                        How was your weekend? (You)
$ H. A4 G& C0 b4 U7 B9 a4 m                        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)
4 d5 S. d4 x" L- X) _" T                        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.
& \% I1 Y9 k5 J# F3 S                        Great idea and I will
                        Bla—Bla—Bla
1 m; Q5 \& k+ I2 E; o                        Then you see the boss walking by
5 M+ L6 ~4 G' t' L0 }$ i3 b                         It is time to stop.
                     

8 Z2 N* ^: G: C1 D6 U, kThe above mentioned examples are under daily small talks or gossip category.  The serious business conversation will be with another topic.
$ U! \# |8 C" ?9 MAnd I advise everyone should find the way that works best for her/him.

( @4 j2 L# G4 m) c% Z$ G& t[ 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.