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.

  S+ u$ A% C7 y9 tSo 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)
: Z6 I9 R: c) G% _: O* O% k$ m            I am fine, thanks!       (You)
, ?1 H, G: G# D
- c, R; c% ~- s/ J! LDay 2: Repeat  Day 1 (You)
4 w6 ]9 p7 P& S+ N# i            Repeat  Day 1 (Co-worker)
4 \& q3 {6 c- C5 S: B; I- Y  |            I am fine, and how are you. (You)
; K1 @3 U' s& i& o            Not too bad, I like your shirt; it looks gorgers (Co-Worker)
+ O' h+ p2 M6 ~& ~7 Q6 E- u+ l            Thanks, I bought it from China last summer. (You)

Day 3: Repeat
1 C& c$ b+ R" u3 S: g            Repeat
            Repeat
            I could not be better, Thank god it is Friday. (Co-worker)
1 L& [+ s3 B- N1 T: ]            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)
3 @& h/ ]* F- Q+ C! W- X1 ]           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
& }- a  O) N5 o4 a1 P                        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)
                        Is that right? Where does your mother-in-law live? (You)
0 Z1 J- b/ N/ [9 a, {+ c                        Pigeon Lake. It was packed on the weekend. (Co-worker)
                        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
  n% a* h: _# }. P( x0 R- d- t$ a1 @                        Bla—Bla—Bla
; `5 _0 N9 L9 i) W: x. M- p                        Then you see the boss walking by
4 Y$ @, Q; A1 X$ V6 t  S3 R                         It is time to stop.
                     
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" y2 \& t' ^0 G' lThe above mentioned examples are under daily small talks or gossip category.  The serious business conversation will be with another topic.
8 F1 O) q- ^5 ^2 W% v/ xAnd I advise everyone should find the way that works best for her/him.
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[ 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.