Speed dating varies a bit, but the general concept is that singles show up at an organized event where there are equal numbers of men and women (usually limited to a particular age group).
You are given a few minutes with each potential match before moving on to the next until you have had a chance to chat to everyone (or as many people as there is time for).
If you are interested in someone during the limited time you have with them, you mark it down on the sheet provided. At the end of the event the organizers provide contact numbers only to those who have noted interest in each other, and you can plan a “real” date.
While there are pros and cons to speed dating, many recommend it. Even if you aren’t successful, at least you’re out there meeting people instead of sitting alone at home, and you never know who you will meet at each event.
If you compare it to online dating, it cuts out all the endless messaging and emailing. You have the opportunity to see and talk to your perspective date, even if it’s just for a short time, and you won’t have the dreaded first date with someone who is nothing like their profile.
Often you will know instantly if there is any connection at all, and you have the opportunity to walk away when your time is up without hurting anyone’s feelings. With speed dating, you’re more likely to hook up with someone you feel at least some chemistry with.
On the downside, it might take a couple of attempts at speed dating to get to where you’re not nervous about the process and can enjoy it and make the most of it. You have a very short time in which to try to not only get to know someone in a basic way, but also make a good impression. You might dismiss perfectly good guys or be dismissed yourself, when if you had a bit longer you might hit it off.
Here is a video by slowdating.com (speed dating specialists) showing how a speed dating initial conversation might go along with 25 fun tips to help you make the best impression
If you don’t have time to watch the fun 2 minute video, here are the important speed dating tips in a nutshell
- Dress smart casual
- Look cheerful and friendly
- Don’t talk too much about yourself before showing interest in them
- Don’t treat it like an interview with a whole list of prepared questions
- Don’t check out who else is there during the short time you have
- Try not to look bored even if the other person goes on and on
- Avoid profanity
- Be as relaxed as possible
- Keep to light-hearted subjects
- Don’t lie
- Don’t go on and on about yourself
- Don’t make notes on your potential date during your time with them
- Don’t get drunk
- If you like the person, use open body language and smile
- Let him know you’re interested with a brief touch on the hand, playing with hair etc
- Make a note on the card if you’d like to see him again after he moves on and before meeting the next person
Over to you: Have you ever tried speed dating? What do you think of the idea? Please share in the comments below
Speed dating I think would scare the crap out of me. lol I have such a hard time warming up, I don’t htink I would get checked on anyone’s list with just a few minutes of my crazy awkwardness.
Misty Spears recently posted…Does Using Hemp Seeds for Weight Loss Actually Work?
I think that’s what I would a bit fearful of too – that no one would pick me, like being the last one picked at school when deciding on teams in gym class. It’s a bit like online dating that it’s best not to be feeling too vulnerable when you do it so that you can laugh these things off.
Ana recently posted…10 Bad Times To Talk To Your Guy
I’ve heard of this on tv… I’m so glad I’m not single anymore 😉
Thanks for your comment, Emily. Yeah, there would be a lot that’s new out there to learn in the modern dating world if you were single. Things like speed dating, Tinder etc are all changing the landscape super fast and not always in a good way.
Ana recently posted…Three Things For This Week
I’ve been on a ton of dates from OKCupid but I’ve never tried speed dating. I’ve kinda wanted to but I’ve always been too nervous to do it. I don’t get nervous on just regular dates so I’m not sure why I would be so nervous with speed dating. It might have something to do with having to speak with a bunch of different men in such a short period of time and I would probably feel like I’m repeating myself over and over again every 2 or 3 minutes. Maybe I should find a friend who wants to do speed dating with me and get out of my shell. Actually, my sister met her husband speed dating so I guess it’s alright.
Paulette Romero recently posted…pureSOL Konjac Facial Sponge with added Bamboo Charcoal
I think it’s one of those things where the more you do it, the easier it gets, and then hopefully the more you do it, the less you need to do it because you met someone. Maybe your sister could give you some good tips 🙂 Thanks for sharing Paulette.
Ana recently posted…Get More Dates! How To Get Men To Approach You
“Don’t get drunk” – oh dear… I think the only time I would even have the guts to try speed dating would be under the influence! lol
Jan Kearney recently posted…Article Writing Challenge – June
I think a glass of wine or two is fine. Slurring your words and falling over, not such a good look LOL Thanks for your comment Jan
Ana recently posted…Relationship Danger: Are You Coasting?
good concept to mingle out for singles. one of my friends recently was looking out to start a venture on this concept.
Amar Naik recently posted…METAMORPHING – An interesting fiction read
Thanks for your comment Amar. I’m sure that your friend can make money doing this by charging entry fees but they would have to be good at organizing people and I think it’s tricky to fill all the places for men/women in equal numbers.
Ana recently posted…Quick Relationship Tip: Get Enough Sleep
LOL I’m not sure I could follow all those rules… And my thought is that if you already do some of those things, shouldn’t the person “getting to know you” have all the info upfront? I mean, what if you are loose with your tongue normally, but during the early dates you don’t cuss… and one day you drop the F-bomb.
Christy Hall recently posted…Move from Ideas to Action In Three Steps
LOL Thanks for your comment Christy. I guess in the video it means if you only have 4 minutes to make an impression on someone, they will be expecting to see your best behavior and if every second word is a cuss word or you are the worse for alcohol, it will definitely be a case of “Next, please!”
Ana recently posted…Is Technology Ruining Relationships?
If you’re not a great conversationalist, or an extrovert, you definitely need to have a list of questions at the ready!
Mel Day recently posted…Write a 10 Page Novel?
But maybe just have them in your hand and ask a few not 45 🙂 Thanks for your comment Mel
Ana recently posted…When He Doesn’t Support Your Diet
I’m sure thankful I’m married. Regular dating was nerve wracking for me and I barely had to do any of it since I married my first boyfriend. LOL
Amanda Thomas recently posted…5 Tips For Staying Focused on the Task at Hand [Video and Text]
I’m glad to be married too, because dating is getting ever more complex, but there are now so many more options for meeting people that in some ways it’s an improvement too! Thanks for sharing Amanda.
Ana recently posted…Relationship Danger: Are You Coasting?
In this day and age, you just never know who you’re going to meet at a speed dating event. Could it be a serial killer or rapist?
I don’t think I’d want to take a chance. 🙂 hehe
Bonnie Gean recently posted…Video Sunday – Episode #38
I think you can meet them anywhere – on the bus, at work or at home. I don’t think they especially hang out at speed dating events LOL
Ana recently posted…Three Things For This Week