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.

5 }( V$ ~3 j, o1 Y. d! L1 ]( g' _! uSo here are some of self-made rules which have worked well for me.
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Every morning, practice the chat and image that you are both A and B actors or actresses:
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/ M% x, l( X: MDay 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
            I am fine, thanks!       (You)
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0 F# G8 e+ E: Q0 X) i8 SDay 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
  [2 O- w7 j1 ~/ _& ]3 r) c# _            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
7 ^1 ^+ @. A# d3 q0 |* Y            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)
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! W+ }8 x- V9 n4 X1 bDay 3: Repeat
' s( ~8 n8 d7 `3 _5 h/ n            Repeat
+ P( o. P  K  Y* L, i3 L5 y- b            Repeat
            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
            Finally, so do you have plan for the weekend? (You)
" y4 q5 x& D! s3 Z            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)

Next Monday: Repeat
                        Repeat
7 P/ I8 ]2 x) ]+ c+ N                        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)
+ s( W2 O7 X! B4 t" @" o6 N                        Is that right? Where does your mother-in-law live? (You)
" J7 l- v* x. O8 Q                        Pigeon Lake. It was packed on the weekend. (Co-worker)
& d9 f' m3 R1 ~0 o' x6 h" U                        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
6 k2 |; b' S9 h                        Bla—Bla—Bla
9 }. X8 g3 X/ `) ^/ a; l" u: m                        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.
- [0 W# K/ B% }! Z$ aAnd I advise everyone should find the way that works best for her/him.

- s! O# ^; N" R2 p6 O# r[ 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.