Speed Dating
So you’re ready to step out and meet new people. These simple guidelines will take your speed dating experience to a new level and bring out the best of your personality.
Speed dating can be a bit intimidating, especially for first timers. You’ve heard about speed dating from your friends but you are not sure how the game really works. You think you won’t have enough time to express yourself adequately in such a short space of time. But it’s all a matter of having confidence in you and adopting the correct attitude. By following these simple guidelines, you’ll find that meeting other singletons is fun and a great way to keep your social life interesting.
1. Your Appearance is important
It is very important to consider how you will look when you first meet someone, especially when speed dating where there is a very short time to gather information about the other person. Even though it’s all about fun, you need to look presentable and approachable. Women can get away with wearing something fresh and comfortable, but not too showy. Men can wear something a bit formal with a touch of casual. You’re not trying to win best dressed, but something to distinguish you from the rest will help.
2. Smile and fee at ease
There’s nothing off-putting then trying to speak to someone who is expressionless. Your manner needs to be inviting and put people at ease when they are talking to you. Give the person the impression that you want to talk to them by smiling and it also brings a relaxed atmosphere to the conversation. You’ll get more out of them when they are relaxed to speak about themselves.
3. Be careful of body language
Be aware of your posture and hand movements as these can be read negatively by the other person. Don’t cross your arms as this might be interpreted as being defensive. Also don’t look at your watch all the time, they might think you are bored and can’t wait for the next date to come. Also keep your hand movements to a minimum with a few gestures here and there.
4. Too much alcohol is not a good thing
There are just so many things that could go wrong after you’ve had a bit too much alcohol. You need to stay focused if you want to make the right impression. You need to be at your best. Accidentally saying the wrong things will not make you everybody’s favourite. You only have a few minutes to grab their attention, so take it easy with the alcohol.
5. Let the conversation flow
Avoid one word answer questions or you will start sounding dull and boring. Ask questions that will allow them to explain and expand on their answer which can lead to you asking more questions based on what they have said. Keep it simple, like ‘How do you spend your mornings?’ or ‘What makes you happy?’ then you can discuss further on the given information.
6. Be attentive the other person
In order to learn as much as possible about the other person, you need to listen to them and focus your energies to finding out what they are really about. That means you don’t go off talking about yourself for the duration of the little time you have. Use the time to learn about their passions and what they really enjoy doing.
7. Be patient when following up
Once you get feedback on your interested matches and they’ve supplied you with their contact details, don’t flood their email box with email after email. If they have expressed interest in being contacted by you then a short message will suffice letting them know that you enjoyed meeting them and wouldn’t mind meeting up again for a drink. Then leave it at that. People have a right to change their minds, so it’s okay if some don’t respond. And patience always pays off.
8. Don’t forget to have fun
At the end of the day you need to remember that this is just a group of people like you looking to socialise with like minded people, so have fun and be yourself. It’s not the end of the world if don’t get any dates, at least you would have enjoyed good company and met new friends.
Be sure to remember these simple tips the next time you go speed dating and you’re sure to make an outstanding impression.
