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.
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" y. B/ X* n5 K' P& r! G3 g; F& ?So here are some of self-made rules which have worked well for me.

8 P: v- b, h  O* eEvery morning, practice the chat and image that you are both A and B actors or actresses:

Day 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
; L+ q3 p/ v9 s; c* ]$ n            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
* F5 O) c2 b3 E            I am fine, thanks!       (You)

9 V1 M, }$ N8 l/ oDay 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
8 a( }- ]3 j  G            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
* |( p) w' D: q3 r" b) c            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
; w9 d1 b, q, @  X% J7 Z            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
2 P+ P1 r! u1 F8 |            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)
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Day 3: Repeat
            Repeat
6 y+ N& M$ L  z  L* G8 F& A: j            Repeat
% N, C. K0 ?7 t6 s            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& M; L' Q3 f( ^! mNext Monday: Repeat
2 ?0 u$ f1 ]1 V1 j$ T6 U; b                        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)
                        Is that right? Where does your mother-in-law live? (You)
                        Pigeon Lake. It was packed on the weekend. (Co-worker)
                        Oh, Pigeon Lake, I have been there once and we caught some good fish.
- F( |5 G& M# Z7 i# R& L                        Really, I don’t know you like fishing, may be you should come with me next time.
  D: \3 Y" m( X; L+ a3 a( e                        Great idea and I will
: Q$ X5 L1 F$ D; N* |9 e! W                        Bla—Bla—Bla
$ ?! c( r! V! e/ t: J) d. y                        Then you see the boss walking by
                         It is time to stop.
. ~. F3 g8 z. t                     

8 b; S/ X5 c4 y# Z6 uThe above mentioned examples are under daily small talks or gossip category.  The serious business conversation will be with another topic.
% p! y+ w( Z2 z" C; L$ w% b- LAnd I advise everyone should find the way that works best for her/him.
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0 s% c7 h9 R* P) H; ^! I* T[ 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.