How_to_Talk_to_Anyone_92_Little_Tricks_for_Big_Success_in_Relationships

Learn some engaging facts about your hometown that conversational
partners can comment on. Then, when they say something clever in
response to your bait, they think youre a great conversationalist.
In a political group, Id cast a current fact from the constantly evolving
political face of Washington. No need to speculate on the multitude of
conversational possibilities that unlocks.
Where do you get your conversational bait? Start by phoning the
chamber of commerce or historical society of your town. Search the World
Wide Web and click on your town, or open an old-fashioned
encyclopediaall rich sources for future stimulaing conversations. Learn
some history, geography, business statitics, or perhaps a few fun facts to
tickle future friends funny bones.
The Devlin debacle inspired further research. The minute I got home, I
called the Columbus chamber of commerce and the historical society. Say
you, too, are from Columbus, Ohio, and your new acquaintance lays it on
you: Where are you from? When you are talking with a businessperson,
your answer could be, Im from Columbus, Ohio. You know many major
corpor tions do their product testing in Columbus because its so comercially
typical. In fact, its been called the most American city in America. They say
if it booms or bombs in Columbus, it booms or bombs nationally.
Talking with someone with a German last name? Tell her about
Columbuss historic German Village with the brick streets and the wonderful
1850s-style little houses. Its bound to inspire stories of the old country.
Your conversation partners surname is Italian? Tell him Genoa, Italy, is
Columbuss sister city.
Talking with an American history buff? Tell him that Colubus was,
indeed, named after Christopher Columbus and that a replica of the Santa
Maria is anchored in the Scioto River. Taling with a student? Tell her about
the five universities in Columbus.
The possibilities continue. You suspect your conversation parner has an
artistic bent? Ah, you throw out casually, Columbus is the home of artist
George Bellows.
Columbusites, prepare some tasty snacks for askers even if you know
nothing about them. Heres a goodie. Tell them you
How to Make Where Are You From? Sound Exciting 67
always have to say Columbus, Ohio because there is also a Clumbus,
Arkansas; Columbus, Georgia; Columbus, Indiana; Columbus, Kansas;