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Good writers and good pick-up artists have at least one thing in common: good openers. When approaching a person for the first time, too many people fall back on weak pick-up lines. We've all heard the stories of people using lines like "Did it hurt? When you fell from heaven." or "I lost my number can, I have yours?" Direct lines like this can be used but only rarely and under specific circumstances. Most of the time pick-up lines lead to dramatic failure: everyone has heard them before, they are lame, and nobody likes being picked up with a line.

Many people have problems breaking the ice or starting a conversation and that's where the opener comes in. A good opening line establishes that you are interesting and starts conversation. It's an opening line, not a pick-up line. These are referred to as "openers" by the pick-up artist community, and are good base to work from. The basic format of most openers is very simple. You frame your question: "Hey guys, I need a quick opinion on something (or some advice about). Ask about something that there will be a mixed opinion or debate about, something that isn't a simple yes or no. Almost anything works: "is David Bowie hot? I've had this song stuck in my head all day and can't remember the title ... could x, y and z do blank?" After you've posed the question and they respond, play off of their reaction and keep the conversation alive. "Yeah, but what about all that face paint"

Since openers get used frequently by many people, make your own openers with the basic parts outlined above. You want to frame the question so you aren't just running up and blurting out a question. Avoid phrases that indicate that they will have to do something, such as "I need your help!" The question portion is straightforward, pop culture or general trivia is better than high energy astrophysics, but tailor the question to the subject. Asking twenty something's about music from the 60's will just get you puzzled looks. And ultimately, use the opener to open. Openers aren't just lines to throw out there; use the conversation they start, and keep it rolling.

Sources and Further Reading:

http://www.bristollair .com/ and other online communities.

Strauss, Neil "The Game: Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists"

Learn more about this author, Robert Alverson.
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