Breaking the Ice

Ever have trouble walking up to a girl you don't know and just start talking to her? You're not the only one. Some people think that if you just start talking, things might pan out for you. Technically this is true depending on a number of things, but mostly just the girl. We all know first impressions are important, but have you ever watched people meet each other and notice HOW important they can be? For example, if the first thing you say to someone is funny, or witty and people react well to it, they are more likely to laugh and something you say in the future. If you simply ask a question as an icebreaker (questions vary depending on situations) then you've gotten her attention for about 5 seconds, and lost it again. Now there is always recovery, but a strong start is the first step to a good finish. Here are a few approaches for when opportunity of a conversation is present(making opportunities for youself comes later).

A Few Approaches:
-First thing you say should be funny, and if not the first thing, the next thing after that
-Find common ground as soon as possible -OR- be controversial and start a good natured arguement, flirting can always take place in an arguement, and being able to pull it off gives credit to your character (either way, you have to know a little about the girl - this is where the recover for the question method can be used with good effect)
-If you have a talent, flair or something that impresses, don't hesitate to use it, but keep in mind that cockyness = bad and confidence = good....it can be a fine line. (as a side note, being cocky in a self-mocking way is a popular method with good results)