No silence allowed.  Awkward pauses are okay at the end of the date, when you’re pondering over whether or not to kiss her, but if there are any awkward pauses in the first fifteen minutes or so, it can steer things in the wrong direction.  “Oh no,” you both think, “here we go again.”  It’s better to say something – anything – in those awkward pauses.  Ask her about her career, her family, her interests.  Just get the words out of your mouth!

Don’t get fancy.  Don’t be the guy showing up to her house with a handful of balloons.  Surprises can be fun, but you don’t know if the girl likes surprises until you’ve met her. Don’t get too fancy:  first, show her that you have some basic social sense by making direct eye contact, smiling at the appropriate times, and not overcompensating for anything because you’re too nervous.

What’s your hobby?  Tell me a hobby you have.  Go ahead, say it out loud.  If all you could muster was a “uh…uh…” then how do you think your small talk will go on a blind date?  If, however you instantly could say “windsurfing!  I love getting exercise while flying around on the water,” then you’re probably the kind of person who’s good with small talk.  If you don’t have a life, get one – quick.

Don’t be afraid to talk, talk, talk.  When you’re with someone you know very well, you don’t hold back and act nervous, do you?  No; you usually say the first thing that comes to mind.  Treat the blind date the same way;  if you treat the girl as someone you’ve known for a long time, she’s going to feel that and become more comfortable around you, as well.  You can’t expect her to take the lead, so make it happen yourself.  If she looks great, tell her she looks great.  If you think her job sounds exciting, tell her that.  Holding back will only hold you back.