How to dial a date

You've finally got hold of the phone number of that girl you've been working up your nerve to approach - now comes the hard bit.

If you want to make a success of that first phone call (that's a phone call, not a text!), follow these seven simple rules to making a good first impression.

They might not work - but they'll increase your chances.

1. Keep the conversation short

You need to give her the impression that you lead a full, active life. By keeping your initial telephone conversations brief, you will give her the impression that you are busy and in demand.

And as an added bonus, if you are always the one ending the conversations, it will keep you in a position of control, leaving her wanting more of your time.

2. Leave on a high note

She'll always remember what you said last - so leave on a positive note, such as with a well thought-out joke or a funny story.

Even if your entire telephone conversation went poorly, if you leave her smiling before saying goodbye, she is more likely to want to speak to you again - or even see you - which is the point of all this!

3. Have a reason to call

Be armed and ready with a purpose to your call - it will serve as a back-up weapon should there be an awkward silence in the conversation or you sense she's really not interested.

4. Be positive

No woman will show an interest if you're all about gloom and negativity. Complaints are a real turn-off, especially in the early stages of a relationship. Avoid looking needy by keeping emotional baggage to yourself - at least at the beginning.

5. Leave a message only on the second call

You can hang up if she doesn't answer on the first call, but a succession of missed calls on a mobile looks desperate.

At the second time of trying, leave a message, and don't call again until she does. By not calling more than twice, you not only avoid looking desperate and you can work out if she really is interested in you.

6. Ring at an appropriate time

Don't ring during work hours - you'll seem too keen and she might not appreciate a personal call at work. Avoid calling Friday or Saturday nights - she doesn't need to know you're stuck in with nothing to do at the weekend.

7. Leave coherent messages

Don't leave long, rambling voicemail messages - remember this message could be analysed over and over, so by keeping it short, you're less open to scrutiny. Identify yourself by name, then get right to the point.

Leave one phone number where you can be reached, but don't leave your contact number, address, email, and so on - this will just seem too desperate.