Well I just hit 25 and realized that my window for living out this distant fantasy I've always had of reaching a point where I can gracefully approach virtually any girl I encounter (given an appropriate setting) is closing.

I've always considered myself a fairly confident and (so I'm told) humorous guy who can quickly build rapport with most people I come into contact with...although cold approaching definitely puts all this to the acid test.

Nonetheless my New Years resolution was to approach more often, and I intend to stick to it.

I haven't trawled through all the literature but in my mind there's 2 main approaches I can take here - the direct route vs the more conversational one.

The Direct approach would play out something like this:

*After making proper eye contact, smile and getting a green light*

"Hey, I realize this is very forward, and I hate to put you on the spot, but life's short, you caught my eye and give off a friendly vibe - so don't suppose you'd fancy grabbing dinner later this week?"

OR something a bit more playful like

"I know how much women appreciate cheesy recycled pick up lines but unfortunately I don't have any up my sleeve, so all I can say is that you give off a friendly vibe, and life's short, so here I am asking if you'd fancy grabbing dinner later this week?"

"Can I ask you a quick question? Hypothetically speaking, if a guy named [my name] walked over to you in [insert setting], told you that you caught his eye and give off a fun vibe, then asked if you'd fancy doing something ambitious like grabbing dinner this week..what might your response be?"

If I got a positive response from that I could joke about how that line was cheesy in itself, how I might even give them my name over dinner if they play their cards right etc - then introduce myself and remain genuine whilst getting her number.

Au contraire, the more conversational route would involve me chatting to them about something topical or observable, then introducing myself and trying to banter a bit before steering the conversation toward getting their number and the prospect of a date.

I could be wrong, but I feel like the direct approach would probably yield very similar outcomes to the conversational one albeit without running the risk of steering off course and rambling excessively. My thinking is that the fact that I'm dressed nicely, articulate (enough), 6 foot 4, and smiling would help many to make their decision almost immediately.

Anyway, I'm curious what other peoples thoughts are - or better yet experience. Any advice is welcomed

P.S. The last thing I want is to come across as being overly calculated and player-esque, because that's not who I am at all.

TL;DR i'm feeling confident about approaching but unsure of whether to go for the guts (Directness) or beat around the bush a bit (conversational). Before I test both styles, I'd really appreciate any advice you guys (or perhaps better yet girls) can offer.