Dating coach shares 'easy formula' that helps you talk to anyone

A dating coach has shared an 'easy formula' for striking up a good conversation the next time you need to break the ice. Dating Coach and Matchmaker Kristin Sokoshared her 'CRQ Formula' with Good Things Utah. The formula is easy to break down into three actionable steps.

While the advice is applicable to all walks of life, and not just to romantic connections, it could be particularly helpful for anyone who finds dating nerve-racking. According to the expert, the C stands for compliment or comment.

Try to notice something specific about the person or the location where you've met, says Kristin. For example, if you're meeting up in a coffee shop, you might comment on how nice the cafe smells, or you could compliment someone's shoes.

READ MORE: Apple urges iPhone users to change simple setting to stop spam calls

READ MORE: Cleaner says there's 1 job to do once a week that everybody forgets

Then move on to the second step, R or relate, which requires you to share something related to your first observation. For example, if you said you like someone's trainers, you might say you're looking for a similar pair as you recently joined your gym, or maybe you'd prefer to discuss a new coffee order you're keen to try. The key is that you need to find a genuine connection to the first topic to move on your conversation.

Finally, Q stands for question. Kristin advises asking an open-ended, low-pressure question to engage the person in the topic. This could be as simple as asking where they purchased their shoes or asking for a drink recommendation.

"This formula lowers the pressure for both people. Instead of a forced conversation, it becomes a natural moment of curiosity," Kristin says. "Try it next time you're in your office, at a social gathering, even a grocery store checkout line. It makes people feel noticed without putting them too much on the spot."

If you happen to strike up a conversation with a stranger and things feel like they're going well, like perhaps they're asking lots of questions in return, you might wish to ask them out. In this scenario, the experts say being specific is key.

Sex therapist Jenni Skyler, PhD, director of The Intimacy Institute, told Cosmopolitan: "Mystery is fun, but you also want to know what you're signing up for with a stranger.

"A lot of people will just ask for a number and there's no specificity." Let them know you're asking them out on a date, and suggest where you might like to go.

For example, you might suggest going for a walk together or offer to show them your favourite coffee shop. Whether or not they take up the offer, it's crucial to be respectful of their decision.

Sex therapist Janet Brito, PhD, founder of the Hawaii Center for Sexual and Relationship Health, said: "If they’re not interested, that’s okay. It’s not personal to you, and you don’t need to put yourself down."