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.

6 E# L4 l: l3 w/ O0 ^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:

Day 1: Good morning, Sandra (You)
            Good morning, Ming. How are you? (Co-worker)
            I am fine, thanks!       (You)

Day 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
& ~" ~5 J8 K( Q! T: X- L            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)

& u  t, x1 |  R" J: k% BDay 3: Repeat
8 p2 r( E. L4 Q, z1 x% m            Repeat
; W5 q0 A$ X* C; [            Repeat
  E$ b8 ~- j  @& ]9 [            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
            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)
+ B9 q. Q$ ^9 W0 }( i           Poor you, oh, I wish you have a good weekend, and come back with a good mood. You know what I mean. (You)
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9 J' h- C, F  q. ?2 CNext Monday: Repeat
                        Repeat
                        How was your weekend? (You)
5 _7 S  G4 \. @$ l" w, `0 X                        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)
  d4 R& s' h# i                        Is that right? Where does your mother-in-law live? (You)
                        Pigeon Lake. It was packed on the weekend. (Co-worker)
  q. }/ U4 n0 `( D* E6 [9 h                        Oh, Pigeon Lake, I have been there once and we caught some good fish.
* B3 c/ \6 N  x. S; L$ H# p                        Really, I don’t know you like fishing, may be you should come with me next time.
- {1 P, {; O! s% Q/ A                        Great idea and I will
                        Bla—Bla—Bla
3 q& J) z$ N, b0 C, I8 `                        Then you see the boss walking by
- F% h  [. Z" K' `                         It is time to stop.
                     

% x; S* R9 o/ `. G& WThe 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.
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" p& z* L) B' @/ @+ S2 c; |[ 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.