An opening sentence is the first introductory sentence that one finds in a (application) letter, or that takes place prior to an interview. The opening sentence determines further communication: it can make or break a conversation. How do you find the perfect opening line and what should you absolutely not do?
What is an opening line?
An opening sentence is the first sentence you start a conversation with or open a letter with. The opening sentence is often decisive for the recipient: he or she can be fascinated by it or completely turned off by it. A good opening sentence sticks in the mind of the recipient for a long time and makes an impression. We want to leave that impression, but in a positive sense.
When do you use an opening sentence?
You use an opening sentence to make an impression or to start a conversation. But also to attract attention or to maintain attention in a further conversation. An opening line is often used when one wants to seduce someone. But an application letter also starts from an opening sentence: this often determines the application procedure.
Opening line in a job application letter
The most commonly used opening sentence in a job application letter is: ,in response to your advertisement…, or something to the effect. It is one of the standard opening sentences that can be used. Other opening sentences are ,I read with interest the vacancy for…, or ,I would like to be considered for the position of…,
A strong opening sentence is a sentence that becomes more personal, for example: ,in response to our previous telephone conversation ..”. Make sure that you have called the company in advance to obtain information about the position. Also a sentence like: ,I recently saw your company at X fair…,. This gives the impression that one knows the company better than another applicant.
Don’t start off with an opening line that doesn’t make any sense, such as, ,Because I like bunnies, I would like to work in your clothing store., This will probably make the employer laugh, but will usually not lead to an invitation for a job interview.
Opening line in the pub: how do you seduce someone? Tips for men
,Do you know what time it is?,. This is surely the most commonly used opening sentence. Also the earlier ,do you have a light for me?, was very popular: less so these days now that smoking is no longer allowed indoors in many places.
A good opening line attracts attention and makes the other person want to start a conversation. A bad opening line can cause a huge turn-off or a lot of gossip. We absolutely do not want to achieve the latter with an opening sentence, unless it is a joke.
Typical macho opening lines towards women are not appreciated. Phrases like ,Can I use your thighs as an earmuff? ,, ,Sorry, but I forgot my phone number, can I have yours?, or ,Come on, it really can’t hurt. You definitely won’t get unwanted pregnant again., are absolute turn-offs that ensure that the lady in question no longer wants anything to do with the man.
It is best to pay close attention: a woman dancing or a woman busy talking to another man is not a good start. So ignore these women for a moment. A woman who looks around and occasionally strikes up a conversation with her friends is ready for a conversation. try to make eye contact. If you catch her eye and she returns it, then it’s time for the first opening line. A compliment always goes a long way. ,Your brown eyes are shining, or ,what beautiful boots, are they new?,. It sounds very feminine, but women like to talk about their appearance and clothing. And receiving compliments is always good.
What also works is not to give the impression that as a man you want to take over the woman. , Just a quick question: do you happen to know how much a glass of wine costs here? It’s too busy at the bar to ask…,. An ideal question to ask a woman standing with a glass of wine in her hand. The first ,just a quick question, gives the impression that you certainly don’t want to take advantage of her. That reassures her. Looking a little shy often helps: many women experience this as sweet.
How do you seduce a man? Opening lines for women
A man doesn’t really want to be decorated: a man wants to be the hunter. Always give a man the impression that he has conquered you. To create an opening line, you can say something like: ,You look strong, can you remove the cover of my phone?, And then let the man in question tinker with your (old) cell phone. This makes the man feel manly and courteous, and you have your first conversation.
Another option is to compliment the man on something he is proud of. A man in a jacket wears this to impress. Say something about this. ,What brand of jacket is that? It’s very nice!,.
Of course you can also go for the macho decoration trick. Young men are usually up for a joke, but older men don’t shy away from a good conversation. This also depends on the character of the man.