1. Show genuine interest
Ask questions that invite her to talk about herself, rather than firing questions at her like an interview.
Instead of:
- "What do you do?"
- "Where do you live?"
- "What are your hobbies?"
Try:
- "What do you enjoy most about your job?"
- "What do you usually get up to at weekends?"
- "You sound like someone who enjoys travelling. What's been your favourite place?"
2. Listen and pick up on details
This is probably the most important part.
If she mentions something interesting, don't immediately jump to another question. Explore it.
For example:
Her: "I went to Italy last year."
Him: "Oh, lovely. Whereabouts?"
Her: "Sorrento."
Him: "I've always fancied that part of Italy. Was it as beautiful as the photographs?"
You're building a conversation around something she's already given you.
3. Share something about yourself
Rapport has to work both ways.
Don't just ask questions. Offer your own experiences, opinions and stories.
If she tells him she enjoys walking, he could say:
"I enjoy getting out walking too. Although I tend to find a nice country pub at the end of the walk particularly motivating!"
That gives her something to respond to.
4. Introduce humour and playfulness
A little teasing, gentle humour and amusing observations can make a conversation feel more natural.
For example:
Her: "I'm quite competitive."
Him: "Oh dear. Should I be worried about playing board games with you?"
It's playful without being overly forward.
5. Make her feel that he's interested, not desperate
- Maintain comfortable eye contact.
- Smile.
- Give sincere compliments rather than excessive flattery.
- Don't try to fill every silence.
- Allow her to initiate conversation too.
- Pay attention to whether she's reciprocating.
Rapport develops when both people contribute.