Every Thursday, I will put up a top ten list of awesomeness, with short descriptions and tips. Feel free to laugh, enjoy and pass them around.
Top 10 Ways to Master
Speed Dating
I regularly get questions about speed dating. I've run my own fair share of speed dating events and have seen a lot. You only have just a few minutes to make an impression so it's important you put your best foot forward. Here are my Top 10 tips to help you.
10. Expectations should be non-existent. More than 60% of people at a speed dating event are there for the first time.
They're just as clueless at to what to expect as you are.
Instead of having expectations of getting tons of numbers, focus on having a good time.
9. Know it's a lottery. Speed dating is like any other type of dating (online, blind, group, etc.). There are no guarantees.
Don't judge your interest based on what they look like.
GUYS: Be aware that most women go speed dating with their friends (around 60%). You can ask her how she knows her friends to get a better idea of who she is.
LADIES: Almost EVERY guy goes there by himself. Commend him on his courage to try this out solo. He'll feel much more at ease and open to better conversation.
BOTH: Do NOT ask why they are speed dating. It's just as bad as asking, "why are you single?"
8. Don't be a creep. This one should go without saying. Avoid asking too personal questions and DO NOT try to contact (read: stalk) someone after the event, if they aren't interested.
The event is set up to let you know who is interested in you and who isn't. If someone didn't check you as a match, respect that.
7. Be gentlemanly. Sometimes, 6 mintues can go by in a flash. Those 6 minutes is all you have to leave an impression so be sure to be on your game.
Be polite in greeting them. Smile and make eye contact throughout the conversation. When you hear the bell, complete your thought (or let her finish hers), say it was great talking with her and move along gracefully to the next table.
Easy points.
6. Focus on your strengths and stay positive. Remember, you have a limited amount of time for her to get an idea of you. Make sure when talking about youself, you're sharing fun, positive things.
Complaining about work or talking about something bad will hurt your chances, guaranteed.
5. Avoid "interview" style questions. Just because you may be sitting across from them, doesn't mean you need to exchange resumes.
Ask questions that focus more on WHO they are and less about what they do. If you MUST ask, ask much later in the conversation as if it were an afterthought.
4. Have one or two creative questions to ask. A question I've given speed dating participants to ask is, "What is the one thing your best friend would want me to know about you?" Another has been, "What is the most interesting question you've been asked so far?"
Either way, have an interesting question or two to ask and you'll increase your chances of being memorable.
Women will remember questions that weren't asked often.
3. Critique your performance. At the end of the night, you will have a good sense of whether or not you have any matches.
If you did get matches, great! Think about what you did that seemed to work and do it again next time.
If you didn't get any matches, don't worry. There were probably things you didn't do well. Improve or create new strategies for the next time you go speed dating.
2. Flirt with her. Very little touching will happen since you'll most likely be sitting across from her. So this is the time when teasing and complimenting be your bread and butter.
Don't be afraid to compliment her on something you find attactive -- both physical and intellectual.
And definitely don't be afraid of playfully making fun of her. She'll show more appreciation for the light conversation, relax and be attracted to your playful spirit.
1. Dress well. If there is anything you do, you MUST dress well. Formal work attire is acceptable, but anything less than that is setting yourself up for failure.
If you were going out to a nice place to meet women, I'm certain you wouldn't wear sneakers, a t-shirt and a baseball cap, right? Right?
Show respect for the event, the women and yourself by dressing to impress.
Speed date like a pro.
When speed dating, understand that you and the person you're talking to are trying to figure out if there is chemistry there.
Don't take the conversations too seriously and you'll see a difference in results when you focus on having fun.
Enjoy the many women you'll get to meet in a short period of time and learn from the experience to better understand what women are looking for in an attractive man.