Everyday conversation with colleage at office?

[Hung Nguyen Thi]

Dear friends,
I have worked for a Joint-Venture Tourist Corporation for 2months and I often get the difficulties in saying hi to my colleage in English because it's not my mother tongue. Besides say hi, good morning...or did you get a nice dream yesterday, I couldn't find any other words to get on well with them. If this problem won't be solved, I think I can't break language barrier between us. Please give me some advice. Thanks a loads with any reply!

[Edison_Chen_e_c]

Hi
Morning
How are you doing
You look good
Good day

[NinaZara]

Hello,

How about giving them your best smile? Put on a friendly face, and people will come to you.

Or bring them sweets and cakes to the office. It can be a good conversation starter or to get to know people around you.

I never tried it but one time, when I was working very late, around 11 p.m. and there was only me and another collegue (who sits very near to me but never spoke to me; most Japanese men are shy) left in the department.

Well, we finally started our friendship when he gave a load of food to me. I was very hungry I was shaking. Maybe he saw that. He first gave me a bunch of grapes and when I ate all of it, he asked me "Do you want more?" He looked sincerely worried so I unashamedly said yes, he went to look more food in the refrigerator for me!

Since then, we become friends.

You might want to try food as a conversation starter!

[Yankee]

Hi Hung Nguyen Thi

I agree with Nina that food often helps more than just hunger.

You could also try to make a point of asking your colleagues open-ended questions (rather than yes/no questions). An open-ended question generally begins with words such as how, when, where, why, who, which.

You should not try to begin a conversation with the words "Good day". A typical meaning and usage of "Good day" is similar to "Goodbye" (except in Australia).
.

[Conchita]

Food is always a good idea! As we say in Spanish: "El amor entra por el est?mago" (literally: 'Love enters through the stomach').

[Conchita]

[Yankee]

[Conchita]

[Yankee]

[Pamela]

[NinaZara]

[Lost_Soul]

[Conchita]

[NinaZara]

Don't worry, Conchita. All the vegetables are fresh!

And that was one funny thread. I find it very hard to believe. I never had crush on boys, only teachers. And so, I asked a lot of questions, and I made sure I ace their subjects.

I once had a severe crush on my Physics professor, he was explaning my question on the white board and he said, "Don't stare at me, look at the elephant." He was using an elephant as a load, because I didn't understand him the first time when he used a buffalo.

That was so embarrasing because I think he knew! My friends were giggling and saying, "Look at how red her face!" I think he heard that. For God's sake, my face was always red around him.

In a way, I am like your daughter,painfully shy around men I am interested in, but I can't help myself approaching them!

[Yankee]