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.

/ E' c& F. A0 b8 b; @2 g+ \- [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:

Day 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
4 q* I5 N/ ?, \) E( k            I am fine, thanks!       (You)
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% A3 Q- ~) U. h: [Day 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
- Y1 x" V' o2 A& l            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)
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Day 3: Repeat
5 V, W2 {" s. x8 t: g- Q            Repeat
4 q8 Z/ [: X& f+ {6 ?* p. V  P            Repeat
            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
  v7 T* C1 g2 ]8 `$ e7 {( 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)
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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)
8 a0 i" s# z- Q                        Is that right? Where does your mother-in-law live? (You)
' Q' K9 s: V: o4 j% K$ [( V                        Pigeon Lake. It was packed on the weekend. (Co-worker)
                        Oh, Pigeon Lake, I have been there once and we caught some good fish.
- a9 D1 q" M) C" h( c8 G* o4 a$ |                        Really, I don’t know you like fishing, may be you should come with me next time.
  M( L# h# S: y                        Great idea and I will
                        Bla—Bla—Bla
                        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.
. ]1 C$ \( t1 D4 ]! QAnd I advise everyone should find the way that works best for her/him.
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[ 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.