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.

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)
/ u* P$ E  i; L& O            I am fine, thanks!       (You)
5 i) Y7 s! {( e( q# r8 e
2 G: ]& X' g3 g* m: F9 X' M" mDay 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
4 c( a* R# @& ?8 N: c            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
            Repeat
3 i4 ]# W# p% z( ]            Repeat
$ Z1 P( E9 w- G5 f. V5 R* [* l            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
6 n) X( R9 K  f' a3 A+ W5 _* Y            Finally, so do you have plan for the weekend? (You)
; ~  |& ~6 i- h4 O4 d            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
1 [( U: [$ c8 @7 u                        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)
1 f- z$ o. a0 g2 r9 [8 q                        Is that right? Where does your mother-in-law live? (You)
7 X9 q0 D" D" l                        Pigeon Lake. It was packed on the weekend. (Co-worker)
                        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
                        Then you see the boss walking by
1 x& ~+ y# Z6 r: N5 P9 G                         It is time to stop.
                     

8 [) }) @9 q8 v& D4 r8 E5 RThe above mentioned examples are under daily small talks or gossip category.  The serious business conversation will be with another topic.
, k- y, J$ y1 ~1 K3 S9 lAnd 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.