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.

8 M! l; F- ?/ E8 g# ySo 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:

! D/ e8 u  h  Q2 d0 d0 pDay 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
* C: o# F) N* m( U( f" J! l/ A  Q            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
& Y% g1 W/ ~5 C9 a) U! N$ T' \1 }            I am fine, thanks!       (You)

1 ]( [+ c7 o. u/ l8 |" ^Day 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
. ~4 \6 }) G( G# ~2 T            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
- ~! m- t4 x! s* Q" V; Y! B4 ]            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)

Day 3: Repeat
            Repeat
- ~0 ~' b! L0 X' ]7 _            Repeat
            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
5 ]7 p$ h2 w* r            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)
; D5 t6 w: y2 |9 o- P
Next Monday: Repeat
                        Repeat
                        How was your weekend? (You)
9 g% V, p" g2 ]                        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.
( n; h0 d' U" n# u# Z  s) J                        Really, I don’t know you like fishing, may be you should come with me next time.
                        Great idea and I will
, E: M, r$ I! z2 R2 J. H                        Bla—Bla—Bla
                        Then you see the boss walking by
; v) c- y9 A: P9 q* [/ C                         It is time to stop.
                     

The above mentioned examples are under daily small talks or gossip category.  The serious business conversation will be with another topic.
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.