Keys to Making Conversation

Prepare yourself – You don’t have to be an expert on world news and the latest celebrity gossip, but you should read the news and scan the Internet for current events and at least be conversant in some areas.

Ask her about herself, her hobbies, her family, her dogs, her college alma mater, her job, and her favorite vacation spots. Ask questions that can’t be answered with a yes or no, but require an answer that will hopefully lead to more conversation. An example would be, "You mentioned that you went to Toronto last month, what made you choose to spend time in Toronto?"

Put your cell phone on vibrate, or turn it off completely. If you’re expecting a really important call from your boss about the latest $40 million contract you’re trying to get, take the call and BE BRIEF.

If your buddy calls you just to talk, or your mom calls to tell you that your sister is coming over for Thanksgiving and you should be there, too – those calls can wait. It’s really rude to hold a phone conversation that’s nothing less than extremely important while you’re on a date.

Don’t monopolize the conversation. If you’re busy telling her your life’s history, she probably won’t be able to get a word in edgewise and might begin to suspect that you’re self-absorbed. You won’t get a second date that way.

Stay away from touchy subjects such as religion, sex, politics, capital punishment, assisted suicide, etc. These topics can wait until you know each other better and you both have a better feel for each other’s sensitivities.

Be polite. Try to keep from throwing crude references and expletives into your conversation. You’re supposed to be making a good impression.

Use your sense of humor. If you can make her laugh, you’re going to win points because everyone loves to laugh. Just don’t do it at someone else’s expense.