fandomhigh | So You Say You Want a Revolution: Week 5, Period 3

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So You Say You Want a Revolution: Week 5, Period 3

"Three days until Parents' Weekend, and most of you are still here? I'm impressed," Aly said teasingly. "Those of you who are new, don't worry. No one's died as a result of parental or other visitors. Embarrassment, I can't help you with. What I can do is-"well, technically she was going to probably start the embarrassment early, but whatever "- possibly give you some pointers on handling not just this weekend, but every time you need to establish a quick rapport with another person whether you need them as a contact or ally for your movement or just because you want your girlfriend's mom to like you.

She flipped the whiteboard around to reveal the writing on it.

11 Ways to Start Off on the Right Foot, or a Guide to Flirting.
1. Remain Still and Composed
2. Smile genuinely
3. Maintain as much eye contact as you can tolerate
4. Employ the same body language you would use with an old friend
5. Your opening statement is crucial
6. Assess then focus on the other person's interests
7. Mirror body language and echo speech patterns
8. Plan in advance what you're going to say about yourself
9. Be prepared for likely topics
10. Maintain unshakable confidence no matter what
11. Work the silences

Returning her gaze to the class, Aly gestured to the board. "Everyone likes an easy tip sheet, right? Here you are then, eleven ways you can start to build trust and establish rapport with a new contact." She winked. "Or a new interest. In all honesty, you can look at this type of conversation as flirting without sexual intent. What is flirting other than initiating contact and expressing interest in another person? You want to appear interesting, sincere, confident enough for the other person to think you're worth continuing the conversation with."

She looked back at the board. "Some of these are rather obvious. 'Smile genuinely.' I'm sure you've all met someone who just pulled his teeth back from his lips and called that a smile. It's not and it won't inspire warm feelings or even a smile in return. 'Your opening statement is crucial.' It's all the other person has to reply to, and when you're making contacts or flirting, you don't want to force the burden of the conversation on the other person. So don't box yourself in. Don't say 'wow, sure is hot in here.' What if the other person likes the heat? Ask them what they think and move on from there. Everyone likes talking about him or herself so find out their interests and focus your attention there."

Aly paused then rolled her eyes slightly. "But not to the exclusion of talking about yourself. Don't dodge questions. It's obvious and from a technical standpoint, anyone smart enough to be your agent is smart enough to notice. I realise that sort of thing looks really good in the spy films or novels, but it just doesn't generally work. Give the person a reason to keep talking to you, give them a reason to share information about themselves. That's why you're planning what you want to say in advance."

"So, any questions about this, how you'd use it, why you'd use it, anything?" She asked, gazing around the room, meeting each student's eyes. Once any questions were answered, Aly continued. "Your assignment today is twofold - one, I want you all to pair up and flirt - or establish a rapport if that's easier to think about or your girlfriend is in the class - with someone. If you don't know them very well, that's a bonus." She glanced over the class. "The second part is to keep these ideas in mind throughout the weekend and try to consciously use them as you meet some of our visitors. Be ready to report back on how it worked next Wednesday."

She waved to dismiss them into the activity then called everyone's attention back to her. "One last thing. If there's anything you want to be sure I mention - or don't mention - to your visitors, feel free to let me know. I look forward to meeting everyone's family and friends, and I'd rather not let any cats out of the bag."

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"A setting, yes," Elphaba said. "I suppose it could be at the library, I do spend much time there. Or perhaps the park?"

Faramir grinned. "I think perhaps the library, as it seems we could have a chance to meet each other there."

"The library then," Elphaba said. "I believe it's customary for the boy to start, in these situations."

He nodded his head, a little amused that he would be attempting to flirt in a class.

"I would assume that you are reading," he said before falling into the role they were to play. "Forgive me for intruding, but I could not help but notice how your book is keeping you captivated. Could I ask what you are reading?"

"It is a book covering the many types of monkeys," Elphaba said, thinking over her recent readings. "There are so many different kinds on this Earth, moreso than all of Oz, it seems." She gave him a little smile, which was not as forced as she'd think it would be. "Do you read often?"

[ooc: *pokes LJ* it's not giving me notifs]

"As much as I can," he chuckled. "At home I would have little time to spend in the archives, and here I find everything is written in a script that I do not know. So for now I am reading children's books until I master reading. Perhaps then I can find out what these monkeys are."

"Perhaps there are children's books about them," Elphaba said. "We could go find some if you are truly interested. I'm not as adept as the library aides, but I could make an effort."

"I do not wish to trouble you," Faramir assured her instantly, "but if you would not mind to, I would appreciate your help greatly."

Perhaps he always flirted and simply had not noticed it before, or he needed some more work.

For her part, Elphaba was just being nice, which wasn't quite flirting but it was the best she could do as of yet. "Well, it would certainly be no trouble," she said. "I was to take a break from reading any way. This merely affords me something pleasant to do before resuming."

Being nice was far better than coming up with awful pickup lines, at least.

"Then I will gladly accept your offer, my lady," Faramir agreed easily. "Allow me to introduce myself, I am Faramir of Gondor."

"And I am Elphaba Thropp of Munchkinland," she said. "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir."

"The pleasure is all mine," he assured her instantly. Perhaps they were merely using a formal sort of flirting. "And call me Faramir. You are after all helping me."

Well, they did come from formal backgrounds, after all. And places far different than this modern world. "And you may call me Elphaba," she said. "For I do not quite think I am your lady, Faramir."

That comment came with a genuine smirk on her face.

He laughed and inclined his head. "Perhaps not in all manners," he agreed, "but you are a lady and you have been so kind as to offer your help."

Maybe he was starting to warm up.

"That is quite true," Elphaba said. "But surely another would have helped. A man of your looks must find himself helped anywhere he goes."

They were warming up, and Faramir shook his head.

"I have not found anyone here unhelpful," he agreed, "but I must admit that I approached you for you had caught my attention before. It seemed to me, that I should enjoy your companionship."

Elphaba choked down her normal reaction of complete skepticism, in order to continue the class exercise. She did give a little cough, and paused for a moment. "And what drew you to think that?" Elphaba asked, putting on a smile again. This time, it was a bit false.

His smile softened a little at her response.

"If I make speak plainly, it was curiosity," he admitted as honesty seemed the best answer. "You are not like the others here, and it is my desire to know more about you and the world you come from."

"I suppose it does make for a pleasant change," Elphaba said. "Most don't find me someone to get to know better, if I am to be honest. But to be a curiosity, that I can believe."

"That would not be the word I would chose," he argued, shaking his head. "A curiosity is something to describe a thing, and I would not dream to think of you as such. I would say that you are intriguing."

That got a genuine smile out of Elphaba. "You know your way around words, Faramir," she said. "And you have said just about the one thing that makes me think you are genuine in what you say. I'm starting to think you've spoken this way to girls before."

"If I have, then my words then would have been no less honest then they are now," he assured her with a smile, and there was no trick to his words.

"I didn't mean to imply that," Elphaba said. "But I am grateful for the attention, all the same." Even if it was a class exercise. "It's not often I have fair haired men being so kind to me, after all."

"Then the fair haired men you met must not have had much manners," Faramir decided. "I see no reason why I would be anything but kind. You have done nothing to me or anyone here to warrant anything less than kindness."

Elphaba's genuine smile continued. She was letting herself, for the moment, to forget this was mere class activity. "You are very smart, then," Elphaba said. "As many in Munchkinland do not think likewise. But you have a good head on your shoulders, and a brain inside to match."

Re: Pair Up and Flirt! [Rev 9-29]

thinkbetterofme.livejournal.com - 2010-09-29 20:55 (UTC) - Expand

Re: Pair Up and Flirt! [Rev 9-29]

didntchewgrass.livejournal.com - 2010-09-29 22:37 (UTC) - Expand

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