Speed Dating Tips

Do you want to increase your chances of meeting your match? Then you may want to attend a speed dating type of event. Speed dating was designed as a way meet a large number of people in a short period of time.

Speed Dating is a Form of Networking

To be a success at these events, you should be realistic about what to expect. Your goal is to qualify your potential dates and to find people that you would like to know further. Make it a goal to meet at least 3 people that you want to learn more about later on. Have realistic expectations and do not go in thinking you will find love at first sight. If you approach Speed Dating as logically as you would a business networking event, you will find this method of meeting singles a worthwhile one.

Below are some tips to make the most of your speed dating experience:

Make a Great First Impression

Prepare for the event by dressing in a way that is flattering and shows you took time to put yourself together. Remember, your goal is to attract the opposite sex. The first opportunity you have todo so is through your visual appeal.

Create your Screening Questions

What are the three or four deal breakers (or qualifiers) that would for your dates. Do you want marriage and children? A partner of Christian faith? A non-drinker? Have these questions ready to ask during your conversation. If he or she does not pass these screening questions, than it is on to the next person.

Prepare the Elevator Pitch

Have a short 20-second bio or elevator speech ready about yourself. Introduce yourself, what you do for work, what you do for fun. Remember not to go too deep. You are not telling your "date" your life story.
Ask your "date" to share a bit about themselves. Listen for clues to determine if you have some general things in common. Here is an example.

"Hi Jim, I'm Cindy. I am a paralegal in Orange County and I also love rock climbing and am a big outdoors person. I also love wine tasting and going to Temecula. How about you?

Use Your Screening Questions

It is important to determine if the other person is someone you could potentially have a long-term relationship with. This is where your screening questions come in. Weave them artfully in the conversation so they do not come off as an interrogation.

Time saving tip: Ask your questions by order of importance. If marriage is your most important qualifier, ask this question first. If he or she is not marriage minded, then the other questions are irrelevant. If he or she is marriage-minded, then move on to question two.

Here is an example:

Is he or she marriage minded: "What type of relationship are you hoping to find?"

If the person is marriage-minded, go to question two

Does he or she want children? "So Jim, do you have children or see them in your future?

If he or she wants children, go to question three. If not, you have just determined that this person is not a match for you.

Evaluation

At the close of your mini-date, make a few notes on the people that stood out for you and why. This will make it easier in the end to submit your final evaluation.