Speed dating has been around for a good few years now. From humble beginnings in a Beverley Hills cafe in California in 1998, it has grown into a global phenomenon.
In most major cities around the world there will be a speed dating event held each week. This is one fad that shows no sign of waning.
What is Speed Dating?
Speed dating is an event where individuals get to meet a large number of like minded people in a short space of time, for the purpose of forming relationships. ideally, 20 to 30 equal numbers of males and females meet, usually in a nice bar. Generally the females will be seated at tables and the males are given a number of minutes allotted by the event organizer to spend meeting a female. When a bell rings (this varies between 3 and 10 minutes) the males will then move onto another table.
Because of the nature of speed dating, minds are also make up quickly if the would-be suitors are interested in anyone in particular.
First impressions really do count in this game. A 2005 study by the University of Pennsylvania found that most people had made up their minds within the first 3 seconds of meeting. A similar study in Edinburgh, Scotland, found that 45% of women and 22% of men at the event came to a decision within the first 30 seconds.
By it’s very nature in this type of event, a ultra fast selection process is taking place. Immediate physical attraction must play a significant role, closely followed by what you choose to talk about. Get these right and, hopefully, you will meet a great future mate or, at the very least, make some new friends or even business contacts.
Many speed dating events companies are free to join, you only pay for the event you sign up to attend. Some are type specific – 20-40 age groups; senior citizens age group; Christians/Jews/Muslims; graduate professionals.
If you feel a bit nervous about attending your first event, bring along a willing friend. They don’t have to take part but may be required to leave once the event starts.
Once the event begins you have a form to tick off people who interested you. You will also get to see who was interested in you. The event organizers will then give you contact details for you to follow up if you wish.
The Downside:
Speed dating can be expensive. The average event lasts 2 to 3 hours and will cost you £20 ($30).
From a Mail on Sunday article, it was reported that it could take an average of 75 hours to find ‘love’ through speed dating. Of course, it all depends on what you want out of it. Some women complain that men who attend these events are only looking for sex. In itself, that is nothing new in whatever type of dating you choose.
To Maximize Your Chances of a Successful Speed Date:
1, Shower and brush your teeth. Yes, that might be obvious to you, but some will rush from work to attend an event. If you are serious about speed dating you should make a real effort with this.
2, Dress to impress. Look to wearing smart and comfortable clothes. You should turn up at an event looking fresh and clean. Avoid overdoing the perfume/aftershave, as some people are allergic to scent and you don’t want someone gagging within the first 10 seconds of meeting you.
3, Introduce yourself. Don’t talk about previous bad experiences of speed dating. Don’t be negative in anything you discuss. Try and be your natural, charming self. Always be honest, avoid exaggerating anything about your life, or job etc. A lie may come back to bite you later! Be attentive, genuinely listen to the person talking to you.
During and after the event there will be an opportunity to mingle. listen and learn from those who appear to be successful at the speed dating event. Observe how they talk and act with the opposite sex. How they are dressed and what makes them tick. Above all, enjoy yourself and let your enthusiasm and sense of humor shine through. Then you really will make a great first impression.
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Tina, I wish I had thought of the one hour coffee date, all those years ago. It would have been a great way of calming first date nerves.
Ray