Jaine Blackman gets some top tips on attraction as an Oxford bar prepares to call in an expert on Flirtology to give singleton customers a lesson in chat-up lines

With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, singles looking for lurve can get a helping hand at an Oxford bar.

All Bar One, in High Street, is hosting a workshop with flirting expert Jean Smith and has also come up with special cocktails and a pocket guide to the art of attraction.

According to the 2011 census, Oxford has one of the highest proportions of singles in the UK - 68,206 people.

That's 53.8 per cent of inhabitants, so there should be plenty of potential partners to practise on.

"The class will be both informative and light-hearted – a perfect fit for attendees to discover new skills together and learn a thing or two about how to make cocktails as well," says All Bar One Oxford general manager Olga Tanailova.

The workshop on Tuesday February 3, will feature social anthropologist, flirting expert and founder of Flirtology, Jean Smith, and is designed to help singles discover new techniques and ditch those corny chat-up lines.

With a degree in cultural anthropology and a masters in social anthropology, Jean’s outlook on flirting is based on science, but believes it should be fun, and dating, easy.

As the founder of Flirtology, Jean teaches people how to find and keep their perfect partner.

She has appeared on TV, radio and in print commenting on topics ranging from dating, flirting and relationships to wider social issues.

Television appearances include BBC Breakfast, Daybreak and ITV’s London Tonight and she has been featured in or written for, among others, Marie Claire, The Times and The Daily Express.

She calls herself a flirt interpreter and says: "I can give anyone the confidence – and skills – to attract and approach potential partners.

"Flirting is a science and it can be taught."

Her mission is to help people "experience just how good flirting can make you feel, how much fun it is, and how fruitful it can be".

The top tips for flirting in the All Bar One guide are:

WORK THE ROOM

"Don’t limit your chances of a chance encounter by slumping into the first available seat. Nobody wants to chat to the top of your head. The aim of the game is fluidity, who knows what opportunity awaits you on the other side of the bar."

HERE’S LOOKING AT YOU, KID

"Old but gold, a good eye game is the secret to flirting success. Locking eyes with someone doesn’t just say you’re interested; it actually increases attraction. The more eye contact, the more intense the chemistry. It’s primal."

COME ON OVER

"Crossed arms, pursed lips and a downward gaze tends not to imply ‘single and ready to mingle’. Learning to read other peoples’ body language can dramatically increase your success rate."

Oxford Mail: (16486893)
Attraction expert Jean Smith

KEEP IT FRESH

"Avoid the Yes/No game with light-hearted, open questions. Chat masters know ‘who, what and how’ yield greater results than ‘me, myself and I.’ But tread lightly, nobody wants a grilling.

FIX UP, LOOK SHARP

"Attitude is everything. Remember this and your self-consciousness will melt away. Instead of worrying about yourself, be totally present in that brief conversation.

No expectations. No pressure."

At the workshop, which costs £12.50 per person, Jean will take attendees through her flirting toolbox helping them spot the six signs of attraction.

Guests will get the chance to practice their newfound flirting skills at the cocktail experience table, where All Bar One’s bartenders will show them how to make a Flirtini cocktail of their choice.

And every singleton, will receive a glass of prosecco on arrival as well as one of three Flirtini cocktails and a copy of the Pocket Guide to Flirting.

* For tickets and further information allbarone.co.uk/theindytute.

* Flirtini cocktails will be available from February 2 to 15 , at All Bar One, from 5pm.

* flirtology.co.uk

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