Huma Adnan lists 10 ways to get guys to talk beyond gizmos

Take the lead By now you know that the best offence is defence. So, don't wait for the avalanche of ‘gizmo talk' to begin. Throw your weight around and start talking about gizmos before guys do. And watch their jaws drop to the floor.

Counter the gizmo If he comes up with one robotic para-phenomenon, you tell him about the next biggest one that is about to happen. That usually establishes your credentials.

Careen into his career If you haven't brushed up on gadget geekery and he is off the starting block, stop him in his tracks by asking him a question on career goals. Sit back and marvel at the speed at which he changes course.

Hit the soft spot Most men have a soft spot for someone in their family. Use that as a diversionary tactic and investigate his familial attachments. Show appreciation if he talks of positive feelings, but if a negative one surfaces immediately show concern. This will keep him going.

Walk him down memory lane This one never fails. All men love talking about the first time they fell in love. At times they even make up stories. However, the ending is always the same: he walked away because she was too demanding or unreasonable or both. By the time he is finished telling the story, he is so rooted in the past the latest gizmo is irrelevant.

Offer food for thought It's true that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Talk about food. Particularly about mum's cooking.

Be politically correct! The subject of politics is a hands-down winner. Any current, burning topic is enough to light up his face and keep him going all evening. Men are always prepared for politics; they read the headlines first thing in the morning.

Drive him crazy Talk about cars. Period.

Ask for the score card Say, ‘What's the score?' Chances are you will be informed of some match or the other on some game or the other being held somewhere or the other.

On the other hand, he may turn to his gizmo for help...

Check out his travel plans this normally triggers another avalanche of words. The only risk here is that he may digress and start talking about beach-befitting gizmos or GPS in the jungle. Sometimes there's just no getting away from them.

– As told to Hina Navin, Dubai-based freelancer