How can one propose to a girl while adhering to the legitimate Islamic guidelines? Is it better to speak with her first or to propose directly?

It is permissible for a man to converse with a non-mahram woman under certain conditions: that it is not in seclusion, that the conversation does not deviate from the permissible subject, that there is no fear of temptation, that the woman does not speak in a soft and alluring manner, that the woman is in complete hijab and modesty or is addressed from behind a veil, and that the conversation does not exceed what is necessary. One must be cautious of anything that could lead to the forbidden.