I have a couple things to share here:
1- girls probably never had some one pick them up in the day time, by saying 30 minutes is because they dont want to be trapped with you for some boring activities for 3-4h.
2- of course its can be a little bit awkward, you just meet her, you dont know a dam about her and you are not that much experienced. Now you should be proud of yourself!! because you did what 80% of men wont do.
3-If you want to avoid question-statements, talk like a women:
-ask why and justify your answers with some anecdotes.
-ask how its make her fell.
-tell her a story that can relate the same experience or emotions.
-use sarcasm, exaggeration or stupid assumption to make it fun.
-make what you do or lifestyle fun and please have some ambition when you talk about yourself, nothing more boring then dating a person without any dreams.
4-learn to vacuum up, that mean when its awkward, she will think is awkward too, but that the perfect moment to make eye contact and smile. Show interest for god sake instead of worrying about fixing the conversation.
I dont want to leave you with just text, so here is an example of a daygame pickup, simple and clear, no tricks or fancy routine, just talking.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGmygPan ... dU0dqpoONw