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.

So here are some of self-made rules which have worked well for me.

4 n6 b3 [- S% z$ |/ B( V- O+ REvery morning, practice the chat and image that you are both A and B actors or actresses:
+ D$ F6 {# `6 G% I& g: A( [
Day 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
- F2 q# X; G$ r6 R! [3 F            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
            I am fine, thanks!       (You)

Day 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
0 c3 I4 B2 n; M+ K            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
. m5 }8 L8 m. e            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)

% B; Z7 H" j2 L/ X5 bDay 3: Repeat
            Repeat
            Repeat
, e; d- n" \' w9 {6 V2 {            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
# O6 Y3 p1 d) N2 {            Finally, so do you have plan for the weekend? (You)
; F+ J% a! H1 \/ t+ k            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)
. M/ L! `  v8 j) G6 A8 i# y           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
: l4 a0 f) H0 e( ]: g0 }                        Repeat
6 P7 `9 ^5 S2 G% \" v                        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)
' N: N  z# N3 d( {5 Z3 E+ g+ e                        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.
9 v" b8 c7 X$ W$ n                        Great idea and I will
                        Bla—Bla—Bla
; ]) K6 B) N! L6 N                        Then you see the boss walking by
                         It is time to stop.
                     
& x& j; ^1 @( ]+ m
9 k& p" ^* V: D' e  tThe 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.

[ 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.