How To

How to Make Small Talk at a Bar

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(22 Ratings)

Forget the old cliched "Come here often?" You really can make intelligent small talk in a bar. Here's how.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Books On Conversation Tips
  • Fresh-cut Flowers
  • Boxes Of Chocolates
  • Breath Mints
  • Concert Tickets
  • Dinner Reservations
  • Movie Tickets
  • Bike Helmets
  • Mountain Bikes
  1. Step 1

    Make eye contact and smile. This makes you approachable.

  2. Step 2

    Use an opening line such as, "What are you drinking?"

  3. Step 3

    Pay the person a sincere compliment. True flattery will get you everywhere.

  4. Step 4

    Try to find a common ground between you.

  5. Step 5

    Discuss events in the news, places to eat, music or movies you both like. Avoid politics, religion, or other heavy topics.

  6. Step 6

    Encourage the other person to talk about what interests him or her - work, car or hobbies are good places to start.

  7. Step 7

    Make up a hypothetical question if the conversation begins to lag: What would you change if you were designing humans? What would you do if you won the lottery?

Tips & Warnings
  • Stay away from pickup lines, particularly, "I am very, very lonely, and I was wonderin' ... " and "Can I see your tan lines?"
  • Avoid discussing religion, crime, former relationships, and politics.
  • Don't put yourself - or anyone else - down.

Comments  

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zemzem82 said

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on 1/30/2009 good ideas.- zemzem.ecrater.com

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 1/23/2006 Women are so used to being thrown one-liners and cleaver phrases, we've heard them all. They don't make you look witty or charming, they make you look phony, childish and desperate; definitely not someone we think is worth spending time with.

Approach a women using class, manners and treat her with respect and dignity. You'll have her attention. Trying to be the cool guy will give the impression you're just looking for a fling or looking to score just like all the others. Attract her with respect and intelligence and she'll be impressed. You'll easily find yourself above all the sleazy one-liner guys, I promise.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 12/16/2005 The path to a women's heart is through the funny bone. Find a smoker, ask for a light, and purposely light the filter end, and admit your mistake with a laugh. It opens up the door for further conversation.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 If I am standing in a noisy bar and I see a girl I like, and I see her looking back at me, but both of us are too shy to make the first move, what I do is I make my mouth look like I am saying something with a slight nod of the head even though no sound is coming out my mouth. When she comes over to hear what I am saying, I smile and say "Sorry it wasn't important, but anyway, my name is Frank." Then I hold out my hand to shake hers; it has worked every time.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Even if you don't smoke, this is a great way to make conversation with someone in a bar. If they give you a cigarette, you can continue the conversation by saying "Thanks" and introducing yourself.

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