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.

: ]9 u. y/ O0 L3 d# m9 m3 ~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:
& L& D' ?$ F" e, f/ S
Day 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
% b; v' [* {: a( Z            I am fine, thanks!       (You)
& l3 _- ^0 p% v# C  f
( w  ^0 L, o* ]' |1 K9 s0 D; QDay 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
. y$ H0 w& o; W4 j' _$ B- h" o& f7 W            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
5 _2 C- B$ @. Z* O0 |9 g  ^            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)
1 F. Z* Y4 D8 S$ l* ?# Y, ^
Day 3: Repeat
            Repeat
            Repeat
            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
9 h' k+ |. U$ V  O6 w            Finally, so do you have plan for the weekend? (You)
5 p9 G7 D9 M) D7 l8 Y, ^9 R$ V2 _5 N            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)

! B7 ?; J6 B( ~6 uNext Monday: Repeat
4 f+ j0 t9 @0 _, v5 c; Z                        Repeat
- V, S4 ~3 v. n                        How was your weekend? (You)
  \) |6 \) A6 l- I( p6 I4 [* U                        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)
9 g3 d5 R. [: u5 A                        Is that right? Where does your mother-in-law live? (You)
2 n! h5 h0 L) K                        Pigeon Lake. It was packed on the weekend. (Co-worker)
4 ~- i& B1 }% M. h& H3 ?0 q3 N                        Oh, Pigeon Lake, I have been there once and we caught some good fish.
                        Really, I don’t know you like fishing, may be you should come with me next time.
                        Great idea and I will
  ~$ W+ `; s. G9 _* z0 m                        Bla—Bla—Bla
                        Then you see the boss walking by
                         It is time to stop.
                     
9 J% ^# `3 W6 s# B3 K
The above mentioned examples are under daily small talks or gossip category.  The serious business conversation will be with another topic.
. U  G: I! \* `" |6 zAnd 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.