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.

5 t" K2 V, C* ?. @, ]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:

- E$ q5 {. i( h) G6 L1 O& @/ M4 hDay 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
+ w' }5 `, q- Y5 m4 W% I6 L3 ^            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
            I am fine, thanks!       (You)
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# P8 d) u: u6 B! G8 c( lDay 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
  L* e' u$ b) ~, ^, N- ]  w8 g            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
% z! @3 m% X" {' ]) G: f) l4 ?            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
4 [! d1 c$ w+ i5 F/ D            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)
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Day 3: Repeat
0 `7 ]' ~! V, @7 J0 A  V$ x' t, [            Repeat
( e6 j2 k  b4 E" `& Z            Repeat
! l# V7 E. v& j$ v            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
4 x; O. h0 |* _            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)

! ^- a% ^% t% a  P; q9 I: _Next Monday: Repeat
                        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)
                        Is that right? Where does your mother-in-law live? (You)
                        Pigeon Lake. It was packed on the weekend. (Co-worker)
6 o( R& b3 [4 F                        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
5 B7 f) n7 o- U" P* p- j3 e                        Then you see the boss walking by
                         It is time to stop.
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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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3 t6 N# z$ [8 c+ J% W7 d! P[ 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.