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.

* K9 E  ]; J" f& E. t3 mEvery morning, practice the chat and image that you are both A and B actors or actresses:

9 ^5 y5 a1 [5 i: {( K8 xDay 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
            I am fine, thanks!       (You)
0 ?5 |8 O. W- s. p- q
  V( ^5 R9 D/ C6 jDay 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
3 N6 j; a6 e# Q; `; D            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)

* }% h* w( q& f- X$ ZDay 3: Repeat
) P. |' D1 {2 _            Repeat
) Q" v( ]% m" {) b# a7 r6 y$ L: N; d& y            Repeat
% o1 U% s/ T& y7 ?' D            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)
% c1 m7 f" d# m2 t+ |           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
1 j: J- c( ~' d6 Y; {' C                        Repeat
5 s7 Y; O' l9 Q/ M% A) I                        How was your weekend? (You)
% j  {3 d% j$ A. H! C7 T                        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)
* ^0 {* R& b  I; U                        Is that right? Where does your mother-in-law live? (You)
                        Pigeon Lake. It was packed on the weekend. (Co-worker)
- _3 Y0 Z- h3 i, v# q# d6 b                        Oh, Pigeon Lake, I have been there once and we caught some good fish.
$ V! E" j3 b5 r, G% u                        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
                         It is time to stop.
) Q9 c/ ^5 b: R- Q' i                     

5 O: |' ~4 b% j; O9 l  XThe above mentioned examples are under daily small talks or gossip category.  The serious business conversation will be with another topic.
7 W6 u1 o$ a* u2 o$ a' Y: `And I advise everyone should find the way that works best for her/him.
2 ?4 ?+ e5 E' P" `7 k& j
[ 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.