Often after chatting or emailing from online singles site, the natural segue is talking on the phone. Are there phone techniques posted somewhere for this situation? You're getting to know each other, hearing each other's voice. I think for women this feels a lot safer and they are more likely to chat on the phone than meet at first. Also, a good way to qualify a woman.

I have screwed this up more than once. One time I'm thinking of in particular. She was significantly younger than me and very good looking. We get on the phone. I was nervous. She could tell. Boo. Hiss. I blew it. (no puns please.)

Certainly, a woman can get a sense of your confidence or lack thereof. She can get a lot to qualify or disqualify. I'd like to hear about others experiences on the phone and suggestions on how to move things forward.

Thanks, Mystiklite

Get out there and start talking to people to improve your conversation skills............

I use online dating websites like plenty of fish and sometimes get as far as phone calls. The first time is a little nerve intensive, but after you keep making more and more calls, you'll find it getting a lot easier to handle.

Some examples:

1. Nervous Experience: I got a number, waited a couple days and called her asking her how she was doing; while reminding her who I was. We got to talking a bit but unfortunately my cracking voice and abrupt statements didn't go over well. Suffice to say, nothing ever became of it.

2. Enthusiastic Experience: I got her number, waited some odd days, and called but got voice mail. Left a message sounding with excitement and humor. Had her calling me back within the hour. Conversation followed with the same excitement, sliding jokes and innuendos as we talked. This one went over better than the last, but unfortunately I still couldn't seal the deal with a date.

Bottom line: practice makes perfect. Good luck!