Is looking for the best pickup lines the best strategy? Will they draw a laugh out of a stranger and soften their mood? Will you get a warm conversation rolling or will you get a foot in the door with that first date? Well let's get straight to the point - The answer is "Yes", Pick up lines CAN get the ball rolling providing the circumstances are right, for example the person you aim it at is single and has a sense of humour. If you use a very funny pick up line that suits the circumstances and it projects the right sense of humour it can be a very useful tool to break the ice of approaching someone new in a humourous way.

So what points should you remember when presenting a pick up line to help make it likely to work for you?

1) The first point is to keep sexual content well out of any pick up line as this will only make you look silly, particularly if you don't have a solid backup line or further lines that tie it together.

2) The whole intent behind a pick up line is to break the ice with someone and get a conversation rolling. It is not to get sex or act sleazy or take them home. Remember, you don't have to be different or outrageously funny to be attractive. Just be polite and quirky.

3) A line should always be worded as a question which implies your attitude of interest in their response. Asking them what they think of the decor, club, weather outside, drink or food is suitable and you can seamlessly add one question to another, instead of that awkward silence after a silly line. And remember, if they aren't being reciprocal, stop. You wouldn't waste your time trying to chat to anyone that doesn't appear to want to chat back.

4) Get to the point quickly. Here are a few pointers when scoping someone out:

- Do you mind if I stare at you up close instead of from across the room?
- Kiss me if I'm wrong, but don't I know you?
- I was so blinded by your beauty I need your name and number for an insurance claim

And last but not least, this is the most suitable all round line you can use which is cool, non-threatening, old fashioned and sensible:
"Hi, I'm (name). Could we have a drink together?"

Then if the answer is "no" then you can be cheeky: "Well if you're going to argue with me, let's just forget the whole thing then..."

These ones work better after you're already chatting with someone and you want to just throw in a few quirky or cool comments:

- I have never had a dream come true until the day that I met you
- Hey, you look exactly like my next girlfriend
- I feel like a grocery item because you're always checking me out

Just remember when using pick up lines the objective is to get a smile or laugh from another person as an icebreaker to further conversation. From there you can keep the conversation growing by talking about silly or funny experiences. And remember, always smile broadly to present a warm feeling.

Author: J Robinson 26/9/09