What do you say on first dates? In this video, I share 5 tips for mastering the essential art of small talk on a first date!
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Do you hate small talk, the seemingly meaningless conversations we often have on first dates? Small talk is actually an essential skill. When done well, it leads to deeper connections, especially when you’re dating. These first conversations can help us establish rapport, become more relaxed, and uncover common interests.
If the thought of engaging in small talk makes you cringe, you’re in luck! I’m sharing five valuable tips for mastering the art of small talk in dating so you can create more meaningful connections.
5 Tips for Mastering the Art of Small Talk on Dates
Tip #1: Be curious and interested
The key to successful small talk in dating is to show genuine interest in your date. How do you do that? Ask open-ended questions that invite thoughtful responses and encourage your date to share their thoughts and experiences. Actively listen to their answers, and show curiosity by asking follow-up questions. People appreciate feeling heard and valued.
Tip #2: Be Present
It’s so easy to get distracted on first dates. We might be thinking about so many things that have nothing to do with the person in front of us…the laundry, a project for work, or whether we turned off the stove. We might be analyzing our date, seeing if they fit our checklist of must-haves. I invite you to focus on being present and engaged. Maintain eye contact, and actively listen to what your date is saying. Put your phone away, and bonus points for telling them you’re putting away your phone so you can focus on them and not get distracted. Your full presence shows them you’re genuinely interested in getting to know them.
Tip #3: Share Personal Stories
Come prepared with personal stories about topics you’re passionate about, whether it’s a favorite hobby, a podcast you just listened to, or a vacation that changed your life. This allows your date to learn more about you and creates opportunities for them to share and connect more deeply with you.
Tip #4: Be Playful
Humor is a wonderful way to forge a connection. Our sense of humor is indicative of the way we see the world, which is one of the keys to compatibility. You can share something funny that happened to you that day, or ask them who’s their favorite comedian. You can make a humorous or witty observation about something or someone in the room you’re in. You’ll quickly find out if you find the same things funny, which will almost guarantee a second date!
Tip #5: Find Common Interests
You’d be surprised how much you have in common with strangers. Looking for common interests will help you learn about your date’s values and deepen the conversation. Discover shared interests by asking about hobbies, favorite books, TV shows, movies, or travel experiences. This not only provides topics to discuss but also creates a sense of excitement and mutual understanding.
Example of small talk in dating
Imagine you’re on a date with Michael, and you ask about what he likes to do in his free time. As he shares about his love of biking, you actively listen, asking follow-up questions. Does he bike in a group or by himself? What the farthest distance he’s biked? How did he feel after that amazing accomplishment? Inspired by his stories about biking, you share a funny story about falling off your bike when you were little. This sparks a lively conversation, where you both exchange stories and plan future biking adventures together. By showing genuine interest and sharing personal experiences, you create a connection rooted in shared passions.
Small talk is a skill that will enhance your dating experience and foster more meaningful connections. By showing genuine interest, being present and engaged, sharing personal stories, using humor, and exploring common interests, you will have more engaging and enjoyable conversations with your date. With practice, small talk leads to deeper connections. With these conversation tips, you’re likely to go on your last first date!
If you want to improve your ability to have meaningful first date connections, join me Monday night, December 9th, 2024 for my monthly Woman of Value masterclass on the art of small talk in dating. Join now for only $7 the first month: https://lastfirstdate.com/the-woman-of-value-club/
If you’re feeling stuck in dating and relationships and would like to finally find love, sign up for a complimentary 45-minute love breakthrough session with Sandy https://lastfirstdate.com/application
Join Your Last First Date on Facebook https://facebook.com/groups/yourlastfirstdate
Get a copy of Sandy’s books, Becoming a Woman of Value; How to Thrive in Life and Love and Choice Points in Dating; Empowering Women to Make Healthier Decisions in Love and Love at Last: True Stories of Falling in Love Later in Life
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