You already know the importance of smiling and maintaining eye contact during conversation. Body contact is how you accelerate the encounter and move towards Closing the Deal.

The first step is closing the physical gap between you. If you’re chatting with her at a bar, move closer to her and angle your body so that you’re “shielding” her from the other men in the area. If you’re sitting with her in a booth, scoot in closer so that your leg is touching against hers. If it’s a loud environment, speak closely to her ear and have her speak into yours.

Wait at least ten minutes into a solid, fun conversation to see if she makes body contact with you. Often times, a woman will make body contact subconsciously if she is interested in you. Remember that even the most subtle, innocent-seeming touch sends a signal.

For instance, while she’s laughing, she may reach over and squeeze your arm.

Or, she might touch your hand while she’s making a point about something. Read these signals. A woman who is uninterested will avoid all body contact, while an interested woman will be comfortable making light contact. Watch for cues; she’ll give them to you.

Also notice her body language. As you converse, is she leaning towards you, like she’s interested in every word you say? Or, is she keeping her distance? If she’s sitting down, check her legs; they contain the most powerful muscles in the body. The way her legs are crossed is a gauge of her comfort level. Are they in a protective, businesslike position, literally blocking her private parts? Are her arms folded across the chest, meaning she’s shielding her breasts…and her heart?

If her body language is closed and defensive, don’t worry. Some women are naturally on guard. It means you need to keep building the bridge of trust, knock down those barriers, and get her to loosen up.

If she’s acting or looking tense, make a playful comment about it. She might not even realize she’s giving off these vibes. When you mention it, she’ll switch to a more relaxed posture if she is interested in you. If she stays in a defensive posture, you know you’ll have to work your Tactics harder than usual. At a certain point, if she simply will not let down her guard, you’ll want to consider cutting your losses, politely excusing yourself, and meeting someone more deserving of your time.

If ten minutes pass and she hasn’t made any physical contact with you whatsoever but you feel the encounter has potential it’s time for you to take the lead and make the initial contact. The simplest way to do this is to reach over and lightly touch her forearm. Do it in mid-sentence, as if to emphasize what you’re saying. Don’t let the touch linger too long; simply establish that first contact. It opens an important subliminal door.

Most men don’t take the time to build physical connections. Instead of dancing with women, they try to grind on them like a dog in heat.

Instead of giving a soft goodnight kiss, they want to stick their tongue in her mouth. By establishing gentle body contact, you’re giving her the chance to grow accustomed to your touch and feel comfortable with it. More intimate touching can follow. Take it in steps.