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.

So 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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Day 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
: A) t" A! w- U$ c& }' t9 Y7 U            I am fine, thanks!       (You)

! F8 H  S# Z8 C+ F; L, HDay 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
& z4 V+ s) ?5 O+ i' G7 |: t9 a            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
$ |: Q8 K: U: O) T+ T  @1 F# P! |            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
+ U7 ^1 V+ e; f            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)

Day 3: Repeat
; m; d3 V% Z% d% o+ y6 f/ {3 q            Repeat
) z0 A; Q6 Y) n            Repeat
8 W$ @, p9 f- L9 N2 F& L$ W            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
            Finally, so do you have plan for the weekend? (You)
; G- E) S/ 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)

Next Monday: Repeat
. \2 C7 K! G0 u$ `1 v% ~& A                        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)
% ^& P9 P" N4 a7 T                        Is that right? Where does your mother-in-law live? (You)
                        Pigeon Lake. It was packed on the weekend. (Co-worker)
& L- C) k" Y& s7 _                        Oh, Pigeon Lake, I have been there once and we caught some good fish.
  h8 `" s' l" W6 u                        Really, I don’t know you like fishing, may be you should come with me next time.
                        Great idea and I will
                        Bla—Bla—Bla
& E( Y" J( V) S# v" o                        Then you see the boss walking by
5 w5 F/ ]" ?! P1 l+ e                         It is time to stop.
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* p6 h5 D4 q5 F  e  l* n( P* TThe above mentioned examples are under daily small talks or gossip category.  The serious business conversation will be with another topic.
1 D8 [1 `, j0 E- d5 J" RAnd 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.