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.
6 e( F7 r2 c7 F/ k7 c
, n3 j$ L" ~' \# tEvery morning, practice the chat and image that you are both A and B actors or actresses:

- c/ r5 `) q0 a% o+ l2 {Day 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
: o0 M' g6 d0 Y1 F4 y+ b* B            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
            I am fine, thanks!       (You)
5 ^7 n! Z4 g" l1 l- K
8 t* W; Q$ R) a/ V0 S& X3 ]1 R+ eDay 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
9 t2 w# [/ x$ q3 p% G6 W! J& K            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
) b  y* F' [+ h5 o9 C( ~! C, o            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)

Day 3: Repeat
            Repeat
9 z9 o2 v5 a5 o; ^( c7 }            Repeat
            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
" A4 w4 |8 d5 B            Finally, so do you have plan for the weekend? (You)
& ^& i% U" N' b  H            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)

" }" K& s" @1 MNext Monday: Repeat
8 w9 {0 G6 o" z% h                        Repeat
                        How was your weekend? (You)
0 z" H7 r% U# b5 i                        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)
; E. M; w2 t* A* ]                        Oh, Pigeon Lake, I have been there once and we caught some good fish.
$ B+ ]5 }5 g# ?/ V# o$ t                        Really, I don’t know you like fishing, may be you should come with me next time.
                        Great idea and I will
3 E/ l- L8 g; F& U) r                        Bla—Bla—Bla
                        Then you see the boss walking by
: m8 t- |4 a) ~, J, }9 `! q                         It is time to stop.
; O9 w' [6 ^2 T4 M/ N0 d                     

The above mentioned examples are under daily small talks or gossip category.  The serious business conversation will be with another topic.
4 j4 E6 n6 |/ |' m& ?And I advise everyone should find the way that works best for her/him.

- n$ H2 x; k; b[ 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.