How To Keep A Conversation Going On A First Date
So you're wondering how to keep a conversation going on a first date?
You probably want the answer to this question because the person you are dating also does not know how to keep the conversation going.
Or, you are about to go out on a date and want to avoid the all too familiar sound of - silence.
The answer to this is to become genuinely interested in the other person and ask your date questions about themselves.
Getting them to talk about their favorite subject (themselves), is a proven method of keeping a conversation going while at the same time relieves you from the pressure of wondering what to say.
Don't Be A Detective
If you are new to asking questions, you'll need to avoid making the conversation feel like some kind of interrogation. The last thing you want to do is to get your first date on the back foot.
The way this is done is by making comments in-between when you can hear that there is an opportunity to do so. These comments should be short, to the point and in some way relative to what your date has just said.
Avoid Strong Self Opinion
While offering comments to your first date, soften the blow of any strong opinions you may have by adding a softening prefix to your opinion.
Softening Prefix Examples
- In my opinion
- In my humble opinion
- I think
- I thought
Softening Prefix Examples In Context
- In my opinion the best thing to do is ...
- In my humble opinion this is by far the best way to do it.
- I think the movie starts at 9:20 PM.
- I thought you said 7:30 PM.
Additional Tips
Don't think that if a person has a different opinion from you that you are adversaries. People can have greatly different opinions and still have a good relationship.
If you met your first date at an Online dating site, don't ask them questions about how they ended up Online dating, or about their Online dating habits.
Don't tell all! While it's okay to slowly drip-feed information about yourself, don't ever spill your guts about the ins and outs of your private life on your first date.
Conclusion
This article should be considered a primer in which to begin your new conversation skills and is in no way comprehensive.
Much more insight into the art of conversation can be found in Dale Carnegie's classic book How To Win Friends and Influence People.
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