Small talk | Breaking the ice

So you have met someone interesting. You can start a conversation with a polite ‘Hi’ or ‘Hello’. You can keep the conversation going by asking a question like:

Would you like a drink?
Can I buy you a drink?
Can I get you something to drink?
Would you like to join me?
Would you mind if I joined you?
Do you come here often?

Have you been here before?
Would you like to dance with me? (You may ask this if you are at a club and people are dancing.)
Would you like to go for a drink?
I was wondering if you’d like a drink.
Would you like to join me for a tea/coffee?

Showing your interest

Here are a few phrases and sentences you can use to express your desire to keep in touch with them.

Here is my mobile number just in case you would like to keep in touch with me.
Can I have / take your telephone number?

Positive replies

Use the following phrases to respond positively.

Yes, that sounds good.
Yeah, I’d like to.
Sure.

Negative replies

If you are not interested, say something like this.

Sorry, I’m not interested.
Sorry, I’m busy.

How to compliment someone

Here are some phrases you can use.

You look beautiful / gorgeous / great.
You look so cute.
I really like your eyes. They’re so expressive.
You look like a million bucks.
You’ve got such a sweet voice / smile.
I really like your dress / hairstyle / eyes / smile.

Don’t forget to thank people for their compliments. Say:

Thanks for the compliment!