Final answer:
Mr. McWilliams likely discussed topics related to his personal and civic life before moving on to the subject of his burglar alarm, which are topics still relevant and typical for people to discuss in today's society, albeit the content might differ based on contemporary concerns and technology.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before discussing his experiences with the burglar alarm, Mr. McWilliams likely talked about various topics based on the given context. These could relate to his own life, such as his education, job, his role in the community including parental responsibilities, and his position as a concerned resident. Due to the lack of specific details in the reference provided, we must assume that any topics he spoke about would establish his credibility and relate to how he may perceive and interact with everyday concerns in a community, which might include various social and civic duties.
As for whether these topics are typical for discussion today, this depends on the setting and the individuals involved. Topics like education, job experiences, community involvement, and technology (like burglar alarms) are still relevant in contemporary conversations, especially within new social settings where individuals might seek to build credibility. Other conversations could involve personal narratives, the impact of media reports like the Ethiopian famine coverage, and community observations, such as the descriptions of Polk Street on different days of the week.