If you’ve never tried speed dating, now might be the time. It’s not for everyone, but for some, it’s a nice, fun way to meet people – with no strings attached and no expectations for a second date.

You might consider speed dating just another dating event.  But be warned.  Speed dating is not like any other type of dating.

The first impression is quick, and the time together extremely limited. You must act fast if you have any interest at all. Flirt quickly if you have even a hint of interest.  Make eye contact, and if you’re close enough, reach out your hand and touch their arm or hand in a gentle way, without being suggestive.

Use her or his name several times while chatting. This serves two purposes in that by doing this, YOU will remember the name, and then, the other person will know that you are interested.  If you aren’t interested, don’t bother with the name dropping.  You don’t want the wrong names to stick in your head. 

Another helpful speed dating tip is to prepare a list of questions ahead of time. You usually only get five minutes, which may go by fast, but it could also drag on if you run out of things to say.  That would also be a total waste of your time and money.
 
Try to ask at least one question that will surprise, possibly delight and amuse, and one that you expect no one else will have asked.
 
Always dress well when speed dating. Remember, this is a first impression, and if you blow it, you may not get another chance.

Don’t dress like you’re celebration New Years or anything, just put on a nice suit or your best (non-formal) dress or pant suit.  You don’t want to stand out like an unappealing and not very savvy sore thumb.
 
To get the most out of speed dating you must follow standard guidelines of personal safety as well. Once you have met and agreed to meet someone later do so in a public place and make sure at least one friend knows where you and your date are going to be and when you are expected home. Be careful about giving out your home address.
 
Another tip for getting the most out of speed dating is to use break time wisely.  You might want to meet again with someone that was especially interesting. Chat with them a little. If you feel like you didn’t come across so hot the first time you met, and you’re interested in them, a little more chatting just might help.
 
Two more rules:  Don’t ever lie, and don’t expect too much from your speed date. If you don’t go home with a number of planned dates, don’t give up.  Like anything else, speed dating takes practice.  Not everyone will find their soul mate within the one set of people that got together that night.

Be sure to fill out your speed dating cards at the end of the rotation.  Everything goes fast at these events, and you want to be sure to remember the name of someone you really liked.  It’s amazing how easy it is to forget names.
 
During your date, if you stay on safe topics, ask open-ended questions that draw your date out, and make sure it stays FUN, you’ll do just fine.

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