COMMUNICATION: How To Flirt, Start Conversations And Keep Them Going? The Art Of Succesful Flirting and Dating | Page 26

Every salesperson knows that there is little point in
establishing a great rapport with potential
customers, attracting their interest, gaining their
trust and so on, if you fail to 'close' – 'closing'
being sales-speak for actually making the sale,
securing the contract, getting the customer to hand
over money or sign on the dotted line. Sales staff
are specifically trained in 'closing techniques' to
help them achieve this all-important goal.
In the same way, if you are genuinely attracted to
your flirting partner, and want to see him or her
again, none of the flirting skills in this Guide will
be much use unless you can 'close' effectively. In
this case, your goal in 'closing' is to secure not a
contract or a sale, but the chance to meet again.
At the risk of rejection, this is the moment when
you must be explicit about your wishes. Subtle
hints and positive body-language will help you to
get to this point, and careful observation of your
partner's reactions will tell you whether your
'closing' is likely to be successful, but these
techniques cannot, by themselves, get you a phone
number or a date! You have to ask. And the most
effective strategy is simple honesty. You don't have to declare undying love, just ask: "Would you like to meet for a
drink sometime next week?" (or some equivalent, the exact words are unimportant, but it must a be a clear request). If
making a date on the spot would be awkward or inappropriate, say something like: "Perhaps we could meet again
sometime – could I have your phone number?"
Some American 'dating manuals' recommend that you precede this request with a statement such as "I've really enjoyed
talking with you and I'd like to see you again". You are welcome to do this if you wish, but it would seem to be already
implicit in the request for a date or phone number, and therefore somewhat superfluous.
Dating manuals and articles in glossy women's magazines also constantly insist that it is perfectly acceptable nowadays
for women to take the initiative in asking men out. In fact, they never fail to exclaim, men love it when women take the
initiative. This is quite true, and if you read the more scientific research on the subject, you will find out why. The
studies and experiments show that men perceive wom [