How to Ask Someone Out Over the Phone

Calling up and asking for a date can be nerve-wracking. Being face-to-face with a person allows you to pick up on subtleties of expression you just can't see over the phone. Follow these tips to maximize your chances of a yes.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Determine whether the person has a boyfriend or girlfriend. This is crucial, and will determine how you speak to him/her during the call. If you’re not sure, couch the actual asking out in more general terms. Avoid the specific use of the word friend, but establish a friendly tone.
2. Know exactly what you’re going to say before you say it. Having a conversation blueprint is critical during such a phone call. Write it all down if it helps, or keep a piece of paper with major bullet points handy when you make the call.
3. Be casual. Start up a conversation first. Once you feel comfortable talking with the person, start inserting the rehearsed points.
4. Avoid the awkward silence after you ask at all costs. If the silence lasts longer than 7 to 10 seconds, get out of it with something like "It's OK if you don't want to," or "You don't have to tell me now."
5. Accept the outcome graciously. If your intended says no, get off the phone politely. If it's a yes, congrats! Establish a time to follow up, hang up and celebrate.

Tips & Warnings

• Sound confident. If you sound shy, then the other person will probably feel that you're not ready for a date.