Quote:
I have an important question! I see you always end up number closing while asking for directions.. can you please explain how you transition from talking about directions to small talk or some material and than number close? I'd really appreciate your help..
Okay, what I've been doing recently is I'll ask the girl for directions and then as she is explaining I'll just butt in and say in a joking way "Oh, yeah, I'm half picking you up and half asking you for directions. Sorry, go ahead..."
The thing with asking for directions is that a lot of people (especially Japanese people) are kind and genuinely want to help. So I have to cut through the bullshit so they know what's up.
Transitioning is not so hard. I usually ask the girl why she's speaking standard Japanese to me and not the local dialect. Then we start talking about where she's from, then if she's interested she usually continues the convo and asks where I'm from and on it goes like that. Some ideas for transitioning:
- I noticed you don't speak the local accent are you from around here?
- Does my accent sound different from the people around here?
- Thanks. You seem to know the area well. Are you from around here?
- Cool, you seem to know the area well. Did you grow up here?
(if asking about a restaurant)
- Thanks. Have you ever been to that restaurant? What did you think. Do YOU like Chinese/Japanese/Middle Eastern etc/ food?
Or you can segway by just starting to talk about yourself after she gives directions. For example:
Thanks. Yeah, I just don't know this area to well because I don't come here often. Usually I'm working at this time. I work as a (insert job here). . . (continue blabbering on)
Now watch her body language. Is she interesting in the story. Does she keep it going by asking a question about something you said or does she try to wrap up the conversation. If she's showing negative body language or disinterest just cut it short and say "okay, thanks for the help, bye." If she sticks around and is not trying to get away, and if she starts asking you questions then your golden. Go out into the field with subjects/short stories to talk about. Think about conversation opening questions and topics as well.