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.
+ M2 e1 J: M# a
So here are some of self-made rules which have worked well for me.
, \2 m) v8 t: N  I
Every morning, practice the chat and image that you are both A and B actors or actresses:
2 [7 e/ D# ~) `% M% y& l- T
& \1 E0 A: K5 o& N' }, gDay 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
7 n$ P" [6 z: \" _            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
) f! o  r9 A( Y            I am fine, thanks!       (You)
- S* f1 ]8 ?9 u( O* w% B
3 ]! j  b! g. M" nDay 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)
+ h! _* _. b0 Z8 P8 W            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)

  g3 K. {8 P& L6 _- V( i1 lDay 3: Repeat
            Repeat
            Repeat
            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)
           Poor you, oh, I wish you have a good weekend, and come back with a good mood. You know what I mean. (You)

" D( P0 b' a- N- S, b% _Next Monday: Repeat
                        Repeat
7 f, N+ m, Z& J( m8 S; W                        How was your weekend? (You)
) p& [3 n, O. b4 }/ d6 O9 }" N                        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)
9 H( o% @3 C4 Y4 ^8 Y1 s6 R                        Oh, Pigeon Lake, I have been there once and we caught some good fish.
5 r9 V$ f2 [. }3 b9 {6 i3 Z                        Really, I don’t know you like fishing, may be you should come with me next time.
- |& ]; ?! p/ v; p1 W; m7 c                        Great idea and I will
                        Bla—Bla—Bla
                        Then you see the boss walking by
                         It is time to stop.
1 I/ k- h& x. Q' O. a8 O                     

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.

[ 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.