Phrases that can be used when speaking about the weather:

Good weather (opening remarks): “(Very) nice, isn’t it?” “Nice and

warm (sunny), isn’t it?” “Quite mild, isn’t it?” Lovely day, isn’t it?”

“Beautiful, isn’t it?”

Possible replies: “Yes, beautiful. And they say it’s going to stay

warm for the next couple of days.” “Yes, very nice. We could do with

some nice weather for a change.” “Yes, wonderful. It’s about time we

had some sun.” “Yes, lovely. Let’s hope it keeps like this.” “Yes, marvelous. Makes a change from all the rain we’ve had lately.”

Bad weather (opening remarks):”A bit cold (windy), isn’t it?” “Rather wet, isn’t it?” “Very cloudy, isn’t it?” “ Shocking day, isn’t it?” “

Terrible weather, isn’t it?” “Not very promising, is it?” “ Looks like

rain, doesn’t it?” “Shocking day/Terrible weather today, isn’t it?”

“Not very nice/promising, isn’t it?” “Looks like rain, doesn’t it.”

Possible replies: ”Yes, horrible. And they say it’s going to stay

like this until the week-end.” “Yes, terrible. Good for the garden,

though.” “Yes, awful (shocking). I’ll be glad when the summer comes.”

“No, terrible. It’s about time we had some sun.” “Yes, it does. No sign

of it changing.” 14

The best beginning for the conversation is “Hi”. The second step is

to introduce yourself, “Hi, I am Jim.” Then it goes depending on circumstances. The three most popular and foolproof conversation-starters are:

- Make a comment about the surroundings;

- Enquire about something unusual in their appearance;

- Ask for a comment from a woman’s/man’s point of view.

Making a comment about the surroundings:

This is the safest and universal conversation-starter. Wherever you

are, something is always happening around you. Even when there is nothing happening, you can make a comment about that. Use a bit of humour in

your comment and most of the time you will get a favourable answer.

For example:

“Hi, what a chilly (when it’s really hot)/ hot (when it’s really chilly)

day today. I see you are also shivering/sweating. By the way, my name

Is Jim. What is your name?”

“Hi, you know, you look pretty with these awesome roses as the backdrop. By the way, my name is Jim. What is your name?”

“ Hey, this queue doesn’t seem to be moving, does it? Since we are going to spend the next few hours here together, I guess I should introduce myself. I am Jim. What is your name?”

Enquiring About Something unusual in Their Appearance:

This requires some skill but after a while you will be able to pick up

something in an instant. It can be a tattoo, a piece of jewelry, a handbag, or

even an unusual color. People don’t buy things at random. They buy them

and wear them because they mean something to them. They have some

pleasant emotion attached to it. If you mention this thing, you can tap in

this pleasant emotion and they will consider your advances more favorably.

For example:

“Hi! I could not help but noticed this interesting ring. It isn’t an engagement ring, is it? If it is, I will have to end my life in a monastery.

And by the way, my name is Jim.” 15

“Hi, I was looking at your earrings; they are exactly what I was looking for, as a present for my sister. Where did you get them? And by