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.

& W5 x! W* t1 l0 Z# B; ~7 \7 K* PSo here are some of self-made rules which have worked well for me.

! W9 S) Q8 \+ SEvery morning, practice the chat and image that you are both A and B actors or actresses:

" u) W! s1 y  S+ M! ~Day 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
            I am fine, thanks!       (You)
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; Q4 r. K8 A+ u: zDay 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
! m3 {1 g$ T( I0 x            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
# L$ ?  a) I( T! p( z2 x2 ?1 Y% ^0 l            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
+ g! T; j& A0 O/ t1 ]8 D            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)
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3 A# C! y% O, C* D$ k! ?Day 3: Repeat
            Repeat
6 ?5 ?6 w4 H' g5 B! k1 D. o            Repeat
            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
8 t( J/ ^) q% }4 l" k( Y            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)

' T3 Y1 x2 v) g6 E) b( INext Monday: Repeat
( x7 [  D+ ^, r( m2 m) X                        Repeat
                        How was your weekend? (You)
! O- [( x5 Q; s% U                        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)
% T( U- |3 p2 t4 a. _+ o6 k& c3 i                        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.
# u- T8 Z5 e: i+ C5 C" p                        Great idea and I will
) _- e2 O" I: w$ h                        Bla—Bla—Bla
. X5 z' P9 I1 t5 x; Y                        Then you see the boss walking by
                         It is time to stop.
$ y" r  |7 X0 Q. E4 y                     

The above mentioned examples are under daily small talks or gossip category.  The serious business conversation will be with another topic.
$ i4 a1 x3 Y  x  x4 b2 IAnd 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.