What is Great

First Date Conversation?

Great first date conversation is all about knowing how to talk and listen to someone you don't know very well.

Small-talk is a skill and some people are naturally better at it than others.

But, like any skill, you can learn the basic rules and practise them until your conversation flows freely!

- Get your first date conversation started by asking your date about how their day has been or how their journey to meet you was.

Or you could ask them what they think about the weather. These are just simple ice-breakers to kick things off.

- Do keep the topics you talk about neutral and light-hearted, try and stay away from subjects like religion, politics and the meaning of life! Some people get scared of really deep conversations with someone they don't know very well.

If you talk about things like hobbies, sport, movies, music, books, interests, friends, family, travel and work hopefully you'll stay away from any issues that might cause disagreements!

If you think you might forget such a long list of topics then write them down and take them with you!

- Great conversation is about taking it in turns to talk so make sure you ask your date a lot of questions about themselves.

This shows that you're interested in them. If you're a bit unsure about what to ask then take a look at our article on first date questions.

- When your date is talking make sure you listen and make sure that it looks like you're listening!

Look your date in the eye (guys, no lower than her chin, ok?!!), nod your head from time to time and maybe summarise what they've been saying at the end of it.

It'll really impress your date if you say something like 'Oh, so things were tricky at work for a few weeks but now its all OK?'

And if you're listening you'll be able to keep the conversation flowing easier.

- Answer your date's questions in a friendly way and with more than one word answers.

You want to show your date that you're an interesting person who they'll want to see again.

And it's natural that your date will want to find out more about you so you can open up a bit without having to get too personal.

- Make your conversation positive. Don't moan or complain because a negative attitude will put most people off.

- Don't talk about the long-term future of your relationship.

Remember, this is just your first date and mentioning words like 'commitment', 'marriage' and 'having children together' will scare pretty much anyone away from making a second date with you!

- Don't talk about your sexual history or your date's sexual history…

Honestly, this is best left for when you're in a long-term relationship, if at all and it really doesn't make for good first date conversation.

It's probably best to assume that both of you have had some sexual experience without needing to swap details.

- Make your tone of voice animated. Use hand gestures when you talk to emphasise your enthusiasm.

This way you'll make it clear that you're an interesting and lively person who is great company.

- Compliment the other person. Tell them you like what they're wearing or how they smell or the sound of their laugh. They'll be pleased that you've noticed nice details about them. And they'll like you for liking them!

You really don't have to go to extremes, a few minor compliments will be enough.

- Definitely never make critical or judgmental comments about your date even if you think that you're just being honest or helpful. There's really very little chance that they won't be offended.

- Be humorous and playful if you can. Make some funny comments and tell a couple of jokes so that the two of you are laughing together.

This will help relax both of you and help your first date conversation flow freely.

Don't panic if there are awkward silences during your date, its really normal and its nothing to worry about. Just ask your date another question to get things going again.

So the key to first date conversation is to relax and enjoy finding out about someone new. Find a balance between talking and listening and you'll be well on your way to first date success!

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