David Wygant didn't set out to be a date doctor. The Los Angeles-based entrepreneur viewed himself as a successful businessman who happened to like meeting new people. But when male friends started approaching him with questions about dating (like how to talk to that bombshell blonde at the jazz bar or score the digits of the macrobiotic cashier at Whole Foods), a lightbulb flickered and he wondered if there wasn't a new career path buried somewhere within. Now a Yoda-esque role model for single men like myself, Wygant gets paid up to $40,000 a year to help dudes land dates with the women of their dreams (or, let's not get fussy, women period). So what can Wygant teach you? His new book, Always Talk to Strangers, says men must first unlearn everything they've learned about dating. The rest is as easy as one, two, three, four, five.

While nominating yourself 16 times a day for a slot on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy is unnecessary (and kinda crazy, even by homeboy Carson K's standards), Wygant recommends that guys take the time to comb over their appearance. "You have to be truly comfortable to approach women and a simple makeover can help with that. Look at the people you're attracted to and how they dress." Turns out women notice little things like dandruff, dirt under the fingernails and extra limbs. "Even just switching to a new shampoo can make a difference."

"Bars and clubs are the worst places to meet new people," says Wygant. "Yet they're the first places most people start." Instead, Wygant recommends everyday spots like movie theaters, coffeehouses and malls during the holiday rush. "The same girl who shot you down in a bar will be more receptive having a conversation about cappuccino." Unless, you know, she works at Starbucks.

Approaching a random stranger shouldn't be random. "Men naturally gravitate toward good-looking women, but go beyond that. Find something unique about the person you want to approach, like a ring she's wearing or a college sweatshirt." Not only will that make you interested, it will help jumpstart the conversation. (Note: Use good judgement when singling out a key characteristic. Pointing at a girl's ankle-strap heels and asking if she's into S&M might get you slapped. Which might not be a bad thing.)

When it comes to flirting, Wygant says Keep It Simple, Stupid. "When you approach a person, start talking about something to do with the immediate situation. If you're in a bookstore, ask about the book you saw them looking at." By keeping things focused on the situation at hand, the person you're speaking with is less likely to write you off as a creepy stranger. (Note: This does not apply when browsing books at The Mood.)

Congrats—you did it. You got the girl's phone number. Now what? "Anyone can make a restaurant reservation or buy some flowers," says Wygant. You must go beyond the call of duty if you want things to go well. "The holidays are a great time to do this. Go watch a Christmas tree lighting or go to a special museum Christmas exhibit. Find out which restaurants will have the jazz band playing Christmas music." Making the first date unique and special goes a long way. (Last note, we swear: Double-check she isn't Jewish before booking a super-fantastic Christmorgasmic date.)

David Wygant book signing, Thu., Dec. 8, 2 p.m., free, Penn Bookstore, 3601 Walnut St., 215-898-7595.