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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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:
6 \) w) u1 C5 u% y  M
1 \) l4 T. v* g1 l$ ^Day 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
+ h9 r% J0 ^* ]+ K0 s0 o, Z, W            I am fine, thanks!       (You)

! E+ f7 Z/ O, {Day 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
, |4 e  |2 P0 Q* w% k            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
. W6 _. @) r3 T5 H7 B+ h            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
2 L; [+ t  y3 z" D, J" |; ~            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)
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Day 3: Repeat
            Repeat
4 I: f2 O6 B( s7 ~            Repeat
            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
3 S4 j$ P2 T+ d' h* d$ j' s2 m, V  ^            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)
5 M8 b/ B' _# C) Z0 x9 @4 g3 D- K5 Q           Poor you, oh, I wish you have a good weekend, and come back with a good mood. You know what I mean. (You)

: c( S4 q2 @. U+ X6 pNext Monday: Repeat
9 y  d. P5 D8 J8 ?# q                        Repeat
                        How was your weekend? (You)
0 i2 ]. k: O: e2 H  V/ y3 c                        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)
- I3 ]7 d1 X8 y% z, c* B  b                        Oh, Pigeon Lake, I have been there once and we caught some good fish.
6 w0 @* S) D* S" t9 ?/ [' A                        Really, I don’t know you like fishing, may be you should come with me next time.
                        Great idea and I will
) H" s* x1 F5 X2 t9 ~4 m                        Bla—Bla—Bla
6 c( b! F. H% v! ~; ^                        Then you see the boss walking by
                         It is time to stop.
                     
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The above mentioned examples are under daily small talks or gossip category.  The serious business conversation will be with another topic.
9 g3 b3 A: o# _% R% E1 ]And I advise everyone should find the way that works best for her/him.

[ 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.