I've seen many posts here about conversations going cold or 'running out of things to say' (awkward pauses etc.) and about them feeling like 'job interviews'

I think even a noob knows to 'talk about her'. Ask her some questions, especially about things she enjoys or is passionate about

But an important thing is also to pace the conversation. Don't fire off questions back-to-back in quick succession; you end up with the 'job interview effect'

and eventually you will run out of questions! enter; the awkward silences

For every answer she gives you try to contribute and offer feedback. Especially anecdotes. Make the conversation 2-way. Don't just show your interest, show that you are interesting.

Once that 'thread' winds down ask another question and repeat.

It can also help to have a list of questions prepped with a list of anecdotes. And it really helps to look for follow up questions while she's talking. Take a mental note of those follow up questions and then ask them when she's moving on.

Contribute. Follow-Up. Pace the conversation. Spread the questions out with 'filler'. Build empathy. It's about an emotional experience not a logical one, the answers don't matter, the sharing matters (not what is shared)

What are your best tips to avoid awkward pauses and turning dates into 'job interviews'? (help out our noobs who have never spoken with women before!)