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Island Son
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So you go to a party you're networking, and you meet a _______ . How do you have a good conversation, make a good impression and not ask dumb questions?
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Conversation is definetly an art. The following are icebreaker questions for practically anyone you'll ever to meet.
Actress / Actors Remember, you're dealing with an ego which is constantly being bruised by agents, producers and insensitive relatives who don't recognise true genius when they see it. Compassion is called for here.
Begin with: "How do you prepare for a role?"
Deeper conversation involves stories about his/her "craft". Ask who he/she studies under and which "techniques" she employs.
Anglers
Mastering the fishermans language is impossible - dont even try. Instead, ask these questions; they will help break the ice, even if the only fish you've seen were on your plate.
"What kind of fishing do you?" This one will work on experts and novices alike. The answers will be self-explanatory: "freshwater" or "salt-water". Be sure to ask if he or she fishes from a boat or from a stream, or from the shore.
Next: "Have you ever done any fly-fishing?" For a fisherman this is the highest art, akin to ballet.
Continue: "What kind of lures, flies, or bait do you use?"
Even if you have no idea what hes talking about, some of the names can be fun: Hairy Mary, General Practicioner, Greenwells Glory, Dusty Miller, Jock Scot, to name a few.
"Whats the biggest fish you've ever caught?" Only resort to this if you're feeling brave.
Architects
Ever wonder where the saying "Well, back to the drawing board comesfrom?" Young architects dream of creating the ultimate structure, but many compromises later, frustration often overwhelms their ambitions.
Why not begin with: "Whats the size of your office?"
'Firm' is acceptable, but architect-to-architect its 'office'. This is because architects like to feel that their place of work is less corporate than a law firm but more level headed than a 'studio'.
"Do you find that the various government regulations are eroding your proffession?"
Absolutely - architects feel the heat from council planning departments and from political pressure.
Astrology buffs
"Do you follow the planets professionally or as a hobby?"
Referring to 'the planets' rather than 'the stars' is an obvious demonstration of your psychic superiority.
"What role do you feel free will plays in astrology?" Even astrologers argue among themselves whether astrology reveals what is predetermined or whether there is free will involved. Ask, then sit back and figure how much free will you can exercise in changing the subject.
Professional athletes
Athletes who have acheived the heights have certain qualities in common, but verbal articulation may not be one of them. You may have to do some coaxing.
Begin with: "What kind of mental training do you do?"
Athletes use an intriguing array of psychological techniques to get in peak performance for a game or competition.
"What do you do to get your mind off the game?"
Athletes have a tendency be obsessive about their sports, but they realise its not constructive. This question may lead into some other aspects of the person.
Barmen
incredible though it may seem, a barman is a person too, with problems, a life and a desire to talk to someone about his world.
Begin with: "Hows business?"
The unalterable opener.
"How long have you been behind the bar?"
"Who are the best tippers?"
Tipping is of some consequence to a barman, whose major source of compensation can be gratuities, particularly in cocktail bars. To fortify you with some information: according to a survey, the worst tippers at bars are doctors, then solicitors followed by teachers.
Boat owners
"What her home port?" or "Where do you keep her?"
The crucial word here is 'her', it separates the seafarers from the landlubbers.
"What do you have for electronics?"
Boys who love toys will love to tell you about their 'GPS's' or Global Positioning Systems.
"Whats the worst weather you've been in?"
His answer to the latter is gauranteed to last a lot longer than the Radio 4 shipping forecast.
Bungee jumpers
Bungee jumping looks and feels more dangerous than it actually is. But don't make a fool out of yourself by asking: "What happens when the cord breaks?" Bungee jumpers delicately refer to this rare occurence as 'zeroing out'.
Begin with: "What do you jump from?" This is less cumbersome than asking whether he likes to jump from towers, cranes, bridges, or ballons - the four main platforms in decreasing order of popularity.
"Do you think bungee outfits should be licensed by the local authorities?" This is as close to a philosophical question as you'll come with a bungee jumper.
Chess player
"Do you have a rating?"
Most serious chess players hold a rating from the British Chess Federation. The rankings range from 'unrated' or 'class E' all the way up to 'expert', 'master' 'senior master' and 'grand master'.
"Do you play against the clocks?" You are asking whether he or she plays speed or blitz chess. This is a frantic mutual assault in which each player has a time limit of no more than five and as little as one.
"Are you a problemist?" You have just asked whether he or she solves or composes chess problems in books and magazines.
Members of the clergy
The following questions are safe and sensitive for Protestants, Catholics, Muslims and a variety of others:
"How would you like to be addressed ?" Ask this to avoid the Minister/Pastor/Father/Reverend confusion. A clergyman named Frederick Smith might want to be addressed as: The Reverend Doctor Frederick Smith, Father Smith, Father Frederick, or he may say: "Gosh, just call me Fred."
For ministers: "What style of worship do you use?" In the biz, they categorise it into high church, low church, evangelical, and so on.
"What part of your ministry do you enjoy the most?" Saying "your ministry" rather then "your job" elevates a fairly common question to a level that deserves a diligent answer.
For Rabbis: "What is your affiliation?" You are asking if his congregation is orthodox, conservative, reformed or reconstructionist.
Collectors
"What is your favourite or most prized[name of gizmo]?"
Saying the name of the cherished object is advisable whenever possible. "Do you prefer any particular period?" Beer bottles from the 60's? Doorknobs from the 40's? Biscuit cutters from the 20's? That sort of thing.
"Do you buy [the stuff] via mail order?" Collectors buy antique trade papers, which describe an unbelievable variety of collectables for barter or sale.
Computer Nerds
"Do you have windows?" This refers to the popular software system which allows users to select pictures off a screen and avoid the complex text commands of older computers.
"Do you belong to any of the computer networks?" Many computer users communicate on million-plus member computer computer networks such as CompuServe or AOL. Users can have 'online' conversations, and keyboard casanovas have even found love via the net. Ask what the person uses the network for.
"What do you think is on the horizon for computer use?"
Cowboys
Okay, so you're not terribly likely to come across one of these, but its best to be prepared for that eventuality.
"Where have you cowboyed most?" (yes, to cowboy is a verb.)
"Do you think the ranching industry is in trouble?" Apparently this is the hottest topic in cowboy country at the moment.
"Do you rodeo any?" Another new verb: 'to rodeo'. Some cowboys just do ranch work, others are showmen who just rodeo. Some do both.
Crossword puzzle enthusiasts
"Which books do you work on?" This is the way of asking what puzzles he or she likes to solve. If he says 'the times' be impressed. Also ask what days puzzle he likes to work on. Monday is easy. It works up to virtually impossible Saturday, and Sunday is pot luck.
"Do you have a favourite constructor?" Puzzles aren't simply written. They are 'constructed' by 'constructors' who have varying styles. "Do you do them in pencil or ink?" Kind of revealing isnt it?
Doctors
More philosophical physicians like to talk about matters such as wills, euthanasia, extending the life of terminally ill patients, and who their malpractice carrier is. More fun-loving docs would rather discuss cars, books, boats, trips, investments or liesure activities.
Begin with: "Is this what you bargained for?" or "Does medicine look different today than it did 20 years ago?" The first question is for young doctors, the second for older ones.
"How is the current medical environment affecting you?" The walloping number of regulations and practice guidelines, and the high cost of practice give all doctors a lot of grief.
Engineers
With an engineer, use tough macho words like 'plant', 'facility' or 'site'. Avoid sissy words like 'company' or 'location'.
"What project are you working on now?" 'Project' is the key word here. This is the most effective question a layman can ask to get an engineer talking.
"How would [name of his speciality] impact on my daily life?"
Farmers
"Hows the weather been?" No kidding, to a farmer this is vital.
Fireman
"Are you a professional fireman or a volunteer?" You dont get brownie points with a career professional by talking about your brother the volunteer firefighter. Conversely, volunteers feel they can do the job just aswell - and for free.
"Tell me about some of the big ones?"
Flight attendants
In case you haven't been commercially airborne since Freddie Laker was in business, there have been a few changes, starting with the name. The politically correct term is 'flight attendant', never "steward" or "stewardess" and definitely not "air hostess".
"What kind of travel priveleges do you get?" The airlines offer various travel passes to in-flight personnel and their families.
"Whats your favourite stopover?" You have just asked which city on the airlines routes he or she enjoys staying in the most. Golfers
If you think, like Mark Twain, that golf is the way to ruin a perfectly good walk, take a swing at the following:
"Whats your handicap?" If the answer is in the 20's or lower then you should be imprsessed.
"What courses do you play?" This is a safe question that serves a dual purpose: it thrills the golfer and allows you to seque into a travel discussion.
"Wheres the British Open this year?" A respectable curiousity because it changes annually. Models
So you've met a model. Have some sympathy. As gorgeous as she may be, she's in a competitive line of work where she will probably be past it at the age of 26.
"Do you do mostly print, or catwalk?" If she answers "print" express admiration. Being a photographic or print model is very competitive. If she say "catwalk", express admiration. It takes talent to twirl around on a catwalk. If she say "showroom", express some admiration.
"Do you have your headshot with you?" Her headshot is a photograph of her face. look at it for a while, then say: "Nice commercial shot, but it doesnt catch your tremendous prescence?". Deep.
Money People
"Are you enthusiastic(depressed) about the current market outlook?" Sounds quite simple but even the big boys and girls grind this one to death.
"Who do you think isworth listening to?" There is a proliferation of newsletters, economists, analysts and other assorted financial pundits with loyal followings.
Pilots
"What type of aeroplane do you fly?" Dont shorten it to 'plane' or youll be tagged as a no-nothing landlubber.
"What ratings do you have?" This is a must-ask question. There are three basic ratings: a private pilot can take you up in his little tree-trimmer; a commercial pilot is permitted to fly larger aircraft for hire; and an air transport pilots licence means he's succumbed to 'big iron' fever' and has ratings to fly for an airline.
"Ever have to make any forced landings? Invitiation to story time, pilot style.
Police officers
Which force are you with?" (Short for: "Which police force are you with?")
"How big an influence is drug use in your community?" Theres not a police officer in the country without a powerful opinion on this one.
"Hows your boss?" Unless your talking with top-brass, add: "Is he still a policeman or is he a politician?" He'll know exactly what you mean even if you dont.
Rock-climbers
"Do you top-rope or lead?" This is as close as you want to come to asking "How good are you?" You are simply enquiring whether he or she is entry level (a top-roper) or more experienced (a lead climber).
"have you ever taken a long fall?" By saying taken a "long fall" you have elevated your query above just asking "Have you ever fallen?". Climbers feel that sometimes taking a fall is part of the total climbing experience.
"Did you have difficulty getting used to the exposure when you started climbing?" This is an open-ended rock-jocks intellectual question. 'exposure' is preferable to 'risk' or 'fear'.
Runners
Before you begin a conversation note that its always running and NEVER jpgging. Start things off by asking how much running he or she does per week. Frequent runners like to discuss their training in days perweek or miles per week.
"Which surface do you prefer?" Dirt?, Asphalt track?, Wooden indoor track?
"Whats your personal best?" Runners love to talk about their personal bests. They may even break it down into 'splits' for you. Splits are their times in sections of long races.
Salespeople
A salesmans customers, freinds and even his loved ones suspect that he or she uses unscrupulous techniques to con suckers into buying shabby, overpriced items. You can make an impression by showing that your different. "Whos the competition?" This is the crucial second question after, of course, "What do you sell?"
"Do you work on commision or salary?" Salespeople feel very comfortable with this question.
"Whats the toughest sale you ever made?" Story time again.
Scuba divers
"How deep do you dive?" Shallow is less thatn 40 feet. Middle is 80 feet, and over 80 feet is considered deep.
"Do you prefer diving on wrecks or reefs?" Reefs can provide multicoloured fish and coral; wrecks run the gamut from old passenger boats and warships to sunken aeroplanes. A diver usually has a preference.
"Have you ever done any night-diving?" Some divers think night-diving is exciting. Ask about the unusual nocturnal fish and fauna, but don't ask the usual bathtub diver's "Did you see any sharks down there?"
Skiers
"How much skiing do you get to do?" This phrasing demonstrates your insight and sympathy with thier plight. No skier ever gets to ski as much as he or she would like.
"Do you find any good deals on ski packages?" A perplexing anomaly. No matter how well-to-do, whenever skiers get together, they bemoan the price of skiing holidays.
Solicitors
Solicitors aren't so bad to talk to - so long as you know what not to say. Dont ask who thier clients are. Dont talk about fees. And never, ever, ask for legal advice about anything.
"What kind of practice do you have then?" Is he or she in private practice, working for hinself or herself? With a law firm as an associate or a partner? Working in government or in industry?
"Do you ever get to court?" Some never do trial work. Others spend thier professional lives in the court room doing litigation.
Tennis players
Certain mysteries of human-kind will forever remain unsolved. One of them is why millions of otherwise respectable people are obsessed by whacking a fuzzy little ball back and forth across a net.
"What level player are you?" league players wont mind telling you. Its posted at the clubhouse, anyway. 'A' players are tournament calibre; 'B' players are strong club players; 'C' is not so strong, and nobody admits to being a 'D'.
"Whats your best shot?" This is a personal question to get your new acquaintance talking about his or her serve, forehand, backhand, overhead smash, ad infinitum.
"What type of a racket do you have?" Ask this one only if your not easily tired of tennis talk. The argument rages on among the 'wide body', 'oversize' and 'standard head' factions.
Vegetarians
"How strict a vegetarian are you?" Herea re the possible responses, translated:
Vegan: consumes no food of animal origin whatsoever.
Lactovegetarian: eats dairy products, but no eggs.
Octovegetarian: also eats eggs.
Ovolactovegetarian: consumes eggs and dairy products, but no animal flesh.
Semi-vegetarian: eats dairy products and eggs, aswell as a little fish and chicken, but no red meat.
"How long have you been a vegetarian?" Vegetarians always answer. Avoid the usual carnivores question: "But how do you get your protein?" The vegetarian is sure to reply that the british diet is excessively high in protein anyway.
"Have you found any restaurants that serve great vegetarian meals?" Dining out is always a challenge. Ask also about any special vegetarian recipes.
Whitewater rafters
"How many times have you gone for a swim?" This is rafters for falling out of the boat.
Wine buffs
Begin by asking: "Where are most of your bottles from?" This is a safe question, because you are probably more familiar with geography than with the solar-system of wine varieties. Ask whether he or she has a wine cellar, which, in a British household is usually a temperature-controlled cupboard in a top-floor flat, but still called a 'cellar'.
Follow up with: "Do you think California has caught up with Europe?" Most wine virtuosos will sing the praises of French wine over Californian.
"I'm looking for a house wine. Anything you could recommend in red(or white) under $10?" The figure can go up or down depending on your wallet and how rarefied the atmosphere of wine erudition you are circulating in.
Zen buddhists
Begin by asking: "Where do you sit?" The essence of japanese buddhism, Zen, is sitting still in contemplation, a form of meditation. people 'practice Zen' at home and often go to a Zendo or temple. Although there is incense, bowing, chanting and candles in a zendo, Zen Buddhism is not a religion. Buddha is not a god, nor is he worshipped.
"How long have you been a student of Zen?" Zen practicioners call themselves perennial students because there is no actual level of mastery
http://www.members.tripod.com/colla/social/growth/talk.html
--------------------------------------------------------------
Conversation is definetly an art. The following are icebreaker questions for practically anyone you'll ever to meet.
Actress / Actors Remember, you're dealing with an ego which is constantly being bruised by agents, producers and insensitive relatives who don't recognise true genius when they see it. Compassion is called for here.
Begin with: "How do you prepare for a role?"
Deeper conversation involves stories about his/her "craft". Ask who he/she studies under and which "techniques" she employs.
Anglers
Mastering the fishermans language is impossible - dont even try. Instead, ask these questions; they will help break the ice, even if the only fish you've seen were on your plate.
"What kind of fishing do you?" This one will work on experts and novices alike. The answers will be self-explanatory: "freshwater" or "salt-water". Be sure to ask if he or she fishes from a boat or from a stream, or from the shore.
Next: "Have you ever done any fly-fishing?" For a fisherman this is the highest art, akin to ballet.
Continue: "What kind of lures, flies, or bait do you use?"
Even if you have no idea what hes talking about, some of the names can be fun: Hairy Mary, General Practicioner, Greenwells Glory, Dusty Miller, Jock Scot, to name a few.
"Whats the biggest fish you've ever caught?" Only resort to this if you're feeling brave.
Architects
Ever wonder where the saying "Well, back to the drawing board comesfrom?" Young architects dream of creating the ultimate structure, but many compromises later, frustration often overwhelms their ambitions.
Why not begin with: "Whats the size of your office?"
'Firm' is acceptable, but architect-to-architect its 'office'. This is because architects like to feel that their place of work is less corporate than a law firm but more level headed than a 'studio'.
"Do you find that the various government regulations are eroding your proffession?"
Absolutely - architects feel the heat from council planning departments and from political pressure.
Astrology buffs
"Do you follow the planets professionally or as a hobby?"
Referring to 'the planets' rather than 'the stars' is an obvious demonstration of your psychic superiority.
"What role do you feel free will plays in astrology?" Even astrologers argue among themselves whether astrology reveals what is predetermined or whether there is free will involved. Ask, then sit back and figure how much free will you can exercise in changing the subject.
Professional athletes
Athletes who have acheived the heights have certain qualities in common, but verbal articulation may not be one of them. You may have to do some coaxing.
Begin with: "What kind of mental training do you do?"
Athletes use an intriguing array of psychological techniques to get in peak performance for a game or competition.
"What do you do to get your mind off the game?"
Athletes have a tendency be obsessive about their sports, but they realise its not constructive. This question may lead into some other aspects of the person.
Barmen
incredible though it may seem, a barman is a person too, with problems, a life and a desire to talk to someone about his world.
Begin with: "Hows business?"
The unalterable opener.
"How long have you been behind the bar?"
"Who are the best tippers?"
Tipping is of some consequence to a barman, whose major source of compensation can be gratuities, particularly in cocktail bars. To fortify you with some information: according to a survey, the worst tippers at bars are doctors, then solicitors followed by teachers.
Boat owners
"What her home port?" or "Where do you keep her?"
The crucial word here is 'her', it separates the seafarers from the landlubbers.
"What do you have for electronics?"
Boys who love toys will love to tell you about their 'GPS's' or Global Positioning Systems.
"Whats the worst weather you've been in?"
His answer to the latter is gauranteed to last a lot longer than the Radio 4 shipping forecast.
Bungee jumpers
Bungee jumping looks and feels more dangerous than it actually is. But don't make a fool out of yourself by asking: "What happens when the cord breaks?" Bungee jumpers delicately refer to this rare occurence as 'zeroing out'.
Begin with: "What do you jump from?" This is less cumbersome than asking whether he likes to jump from towers, cranes, bridges, or ballons - the four main platforms in decreasing order of popularity.
"Do you think bungee outfits should be licensed by the local authorities?" This is as close to a philosophical question as you'll come with a bungee jumper.
Chess player
"Do you have a rating?"
Most serious chess players hold a rating from the British Chess Federation. The rankings range from 'unrated' or 'class E' all the way up to 'expert', 'master' 'senior master' and 'grand master'.
"Do you play against the clocks?" You are asking whether he or she plays speed or blitz chess. This is a frantic mutual assault in which each player has a time limit of no more than five and as little as one.
"Are you a problemist?" You have just asked whether he or she solves or composes chess problems in books and magazines.
Members of the clergy
The following questions are safe and sensitive for Protestants, Catholics, Muslims and a variety of others:
"How would you like to be addressed ?" Ask this to avoid the Minister/Pastor/Father/Reverend confusion. A clergyman named Frederick Smith might want to be addressed as: The Reverend Doctor Frederick Smith, Father Smith, Father Frederick, or he may say: "Gosh, just call me Fred."
For ministers: "What style of worship do you use?" In the biz, they categorise it into high church, low church, evangelical, and so on.
"What part of your ministry do you enjoy the most?" Saying "your ministry" rather then "your job" elevates a fairly common question to a level that deserves a diligent answer.
For Rabbis: "What is your affiliation?" You are asking if his congregation is orthodox, conservative, reformed or reconstructionist.
Collectors
"What is your favourite or most prized[name of gizmo]?"
Saying the name of the cherished object is advisable whenever possible. "Do you prefer any particular period?" Beer bottles from the 60's? Doorknobs from the 40's? Biscuit cutters from the 20's? That sort of thing.
"Do you buy [the stuff] via mail order?" Collectors buy antique trade papers, which describe an unbelievable variety of collectables for barter or sale.
Computer Nerds
"Do you have windows?" This refers to the popular software system which allows users to select pictures off a screen and avoid the complex text commands of older computers.
"Do you belong to any of the computer networks?" Many computer users communicate on million-plus member computer computer networks such as CompuServe or AOL. Users can have 'online' conversations, and keyboard casanovas have even found love via the net. Ask what the person uses the network for.
"What do you think is on the horizon for computer use?"
Cowboys
Okay, so you're not terribly likely to come across one of these, but its best to be prepared for that eventuality.
"Where have you cowboyed most?" (yes, to cowboy is a verb.)
"Do you think the ranching industry is in trouble?" Apparently this is the hottest topic in cowboy country at the moment.
"Do you rodeo any?" Another new verb: 'to rodeo'. Some cowboys just do ranch work, others are showmen who just rodeo. Some do both.
Crossword puzzle enthusiasts
"Which books do you work on?" This is the way of asking what puzzles he or she likes to solve. If he says 'the times' be impressed. Also ask what days puzzle he likes to work on. Monday is easy. It works up to virtually impossible Saturday, and Sunday is pot luck.
"Do you have a favourite constructor?" Puzzles aren't simply written. They are 'constructed' by 'constructors' who have varying styles. "Do you do them in pencil or ink?" Kind of revealing isnt it?
Doctors
More philosophical physicians like to talk about matters such as wills, euthanasia, extending the life of terminally ill patients, and who their malpractice carrier is. More fun-loving docs would rather discuss cars, books, boats, trips, investments or liesure activities.
Begin with: "Is this what you bargained for?" or "Does medicine look different today than it did 20 years ago?" The first question is for young doctors, the second for older ones.
"How is the current medical environment affecting you?" The walloping number of regulations and practice guidelines, and the high cost of practice give all doctors a lot of grief.
Engineers
With an engineer, use tough macho words like 'plant', 'facility' or 'site'. Avoid sissy words like 'company' or 'location'.
"What project are you working on now?" 'Project' is the key word here. This is the most effective question a layman can ask to get an engineer talking.
"How would [name of his speciality] impact on my daily life?"
Farmers
"Hows the weather been?" No kidding, to a farmer this is vital.
Fireman
"Are you a professional fireman or a volunteer?" You dont get brownie points with a career professional by talking about your brother the volunteer firefighter. Conversely, volunteers feel they can do the job just aswell - and for free.
"Tell me about some of the big ones?"
Flight attendants
In case you haven't been commercially airborne since Freddie Laker was in business, there have been a few changes, starting with the name. The politically correct term is 'flight attendant', never "steward" or "stewardess" and definitely not "air hostess".
"What kind of travel priveleges do you get?" The airlines offer various travel passes to in-flight personnel and their families.
"Whats your favourite stopover?" You have just asked which city on the airlines routes he or she enjoys staying in the most. Golfers
If you think, like Mark Twain, that golf is the way to ruin a perfectly good walk, take a swing at the following:
"Whats your handicap?" If the answer is in the 20's or lower then you should be imprsessed.
"What courses do you play?" This is a safe question that serves a dual purpose: it thrills the golfer and allows you to seque into a travel discussion.
"Wheres the British Open this year?" A respectable curiousity because it changes annually. Models
So you've met a model. Have some sympathy. As gorgeous as she may be, she's in a competitive line of work where she will probably be past it at the age of 26.
"Do you do mostly print, or catwalk?" If she answers "print" express admiration. Being a photographic or print model is very competitive. If she say "catwalk", express admiration. It takes talent to twirl around on a catwalk. If she say "showroom", express some admiration.
"Do you have your headshot with you?" Her headshot is a photograph of her face. look at it for a while, then say: "Nice commercial shot, but it doesnt catch your tremendous prescence?". Deep.
Money People
"Are you enthusiastic(depressed) about the current market outlook?" Sounds quite simple but even the big boys and girls grind this one to death.
"Who do you think isworth listening to?" There is a proliferation of newsletters, economists, analysts and other assorted financial pundits with loyal followings.
Pilots
"What type of aeroplane do you fly?" Dont shorten it to 'plane' or youll be tagged as a no-nothing landlubber.
"What ratings do you have?" This is a must-ask question. There are three basic ratings: a private pilot can take you up in his little tree-trimmer; a commercial pilot is permitted to fly larger aircraft for hire; and an air transport pilots licence means he's succumbed to 'big iron' fever' and has ratings to fly for an airline.
"Ever have to make any forced landings? Invitiation to story time, pilot style.
Police officers
Which force are you with?" (Short for: "Which police force are you with?")
"How big an influence is drug use in your community?" Theres not a police officer in the country without a powerful opinion on this one.
"Hows your boss?" Unless your talking with top-brass, add: "Is he still a policeman or is he a politician?" He'll know exactly what you mean even if you dont.
Rock-climbers
"Do you top-rope or lead?" This is as close as you want to come to asking "How good are you?" You are simply enquiring whether he or she is entry level (a top-roper) or more experienced (a lead climber).
"have you ever taken a long fall?" By saying taken a "long fall" you have elevated your query above just asking "Have you ever fallen?". Climbers feel that sometimes taking a fall is part of the total climbing experience.
"Did you have difficulty getting used to the exposure when you started climbing?" This is an open-ended rock-jocks intellectual question. 'exposure' is preferable to 'risk' or 'fear'.
Runners
Before you begin a conversation note that its always running and NEVER jpgging. Start things off by asking how much running he or she does per week. Frequent runners like to discuss their training in days perweek or miles per week.
"Which surface do you prefer?" Dirt?, Asphalt track?, Wooden indoor track?
"Whats your personal best?" Runners love to talk about their personal bests. They may even break it down into 'splits' for you. Splits are their times in sections of long races.
Salespeople
A salesmans customers, freinds and even his loved ones suspect that he or she uses unscrupulous techniques to con suckers into buying shabby, overpriced items. You can make an impression by showing that your different. "Whos the competition?" This is the crucial second question after, of course, "What do you sell?"
"Do you work on commision or salary?" Salespeople feel very comfortable with this question.
"Whats the toughest sale you ever made?" Story time again.
Scuba divers
"How deep do you dive?" Shallow is less thatn 40 feet. Middle is 80 feet, and over 80 feet is considered deep.
"Do you prefer diving on wrecks or reefs?" Reefs can provide multicoloured fish and coral; wrecks run the gamut from old passenger boats and warships to sunken aeroplanes. A diver usually has a preference.
"Have you ever done any night-diving?" Some divers think night-diving is exciting. Ask about the unusual nocturnal fish and fauna, but don't ask the usual bathtub diver's "Did you see any sharks down there?"
Skiers
"How much skiing do you get to do?" This phrasing demonstrates your insight and sympathy with thier plight. No skier ever gets to ski as much as he or she would like.
"Do you find any good deals on ski packages?" A perplexing anomaly. No matter how well-to-do, whenever skiers get together, they bemoan the price of skiing holidays.
Solicitors
Solicitors aren't so bad to talk to - so long as you know what not to say. Dont ask who thier clients are. Dont talk about fees. And never, ever, ask for legal advice about anything.
"What kind of practice do you have then?" Is he or she in private practice, working for hinself or herself? With a law firm as an associate or a partner? Working in government or in industry?
"Do you ever get to court?" Some never do trial work. Others spend thier professional lives in the court room doing litigation.
Tennis players
Certain mysteries of human-kind will forever remain unsolved. One of them is why millions of otherwise respectable people are obsessed by whacking a fuzzy little ball back and forth across a net.
"What level player are you?" league players wont mind telling you. Its posted at the clubhouse, anyway. 'A' players are tournament calibre; 'B' players are strong club players; 'C' is not so strong, and nobody admits to being a 'D'.
"Whats your best shot?" This is a personal question to get your new acquaintance talking about his or her serve, forehand, backhand, overhead smash, ad infinitum.
"What type of a racket do you have?" Ask this one only if your not easily tired of tennis talk. The argument rages on among the 'wide body', 'oversize' and 'standard head' factions.
Vegetarians
"How strict a vegetarian are you?" Herea re the possible responses, translated:
Vegan: consumes no food of animal origin whatsoever.
Lactovegetarian: eats dairy products, but no eggs.
Octovegetarian: also eats eggs.
Ovolactovegetarian: consumes eggs and dairy products, but no animal flesh.
Semi-vegetarian: eats dairy products and eggs, aswell as a little fish and chicken, but no red meat.
"How long have you been a vegetarian?" Vegetarians always answer. Avoid the usual carnivores question: "But how do you get your protein?" The vegetarian is sure to reply that the british diet is excessively high in protein anyway.
"Have you found any restaurants that serve great vegetarian meals?" Dining out is always a challenge. Ask also about any special vegetarian recipes.
Whitewater rafters
"How many times have you gone for a swim?" This is rafters for falling out of the boat.
Wine buffs
Begin by asking: "Where are most of your bottles from?" This is a safe question, because you are probably more familiar with geography than with the solar-system of wine varieties. Ask whether he or she has a wine cellar, which, in a British household is usually a temperature-controlled cupboard in a top-floor flat, but still called a 'cellar'.
Follow up with: "Do you think California has caught up with Europe?" Most wine virtuosos will sing the praises of French wine over Californian.
"I'm looking for a house wine. Anything you could recommend in red(or white) under $10?" The figure can go up or down depending on your wallet and how rarefied the atmosphere of wine erudition you are circulating in.
Zen buddhists
Begin by asking: "Where do you sit?" The essence of japanese buddhism, Zen, is sitting still in contemplation, a form of meditation. people 'practice Zen' at home and often go to a Zendo or temple. Although there is incense, bowing, chanting and candles in a zendo, Zen Buddhism is not a religion. Buddha is not a god, nor is he worshipped.
"How long have you been a student of Zen?" Zen practicioners call themselves perennial students because there is no actual level of mastery
