A LANDMARK study at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), discovered that 93 per cent of likeability was attributable not to what you say, but to how you say it.

In fact, body language accounted for 55 per cent, vocal tonality for 38 per cent and verbal content accounted for only 7 per cent.

Yet, so many men ask me for the magic pick-up lines.

The truth is, there is no perfect pick-up line. Any line can work.

The more important factors by far are the fundamentals - your body language and vocal tonality. And underlying the fundamentals of body language and tonality is the foundation: The right psychological attitudes to women, the world, and yourself.

Let's focus first on body language.

Many of my women friends in Singapore have noticed a common phenomenon among many men here: Bad posture. It projects physical, mental and emotional weakness.

Perhaps it's because the extreme heat is so enervating, or men are emulating their slouching seniors and hence perpetuating the cycle, or the straight posture reminds guys of their military service, which they would rather forget. Honestly, I'm not sure why it occurs.

There are several remedies, but the simplest is this: the Wall Stand.

Stand with your back against a wall. Make sure the back of your head, your shoulders, buttocks and heels are touching the wall. Keep your chin up. Hold this position for three minutes.

Now keep the same posture, and take one step forward. Remember how this wall posture feels. Commit this to your muscular memory.

Repeat the wall stand once a day for three months straight. It's just three minutes a day for three months.

The key is consistent application. Do the wall stand once a day. And check your posture throughout the day.

Good posture is important not just to your attractiveness and confidence but also to your overall good health and well-being. In three months, anyone can eradicate that slouching posture.

Learn more about dating expert Dr Date at his website: www.powerofbeingasian.com.

This article was first published in The New Paper on October 19, 2008.