Tips on how to speed date

Speed dating can be a lot of fun. It is a process that allows single individuals to meet prospective romantic matches at a central place at scheduled events.

The format for speed dating includes three to 10 minutes face-to-face sessions with participants, during which time they discuss whatever they want to.

The aim is to get to know each other as quickly as possible by touching on topics like jobs, education, interests, family matters, hobbies, sports etc.

After the short dating session, participants score each of the people they were paired up with.

Should two people express a mutual interest, they have the opportunity to exchange contact information and further pursue the relationship on their own terms.

Here are a few tips on how to accurately prepare yourself for speed dating:

1. Approach speed dating with an open and healthy attitude

Try to approach speed dating with a fun, and open minded attitude. You need to realise that you may not find someone you are interested in, but that you can try it again in the future.

2. Prepare yourself for the speed dating event

It is important to know exactly what you want out of the speed dating experience. If you’re looking for the right person, have a list of things ready to say or to ask.

– Introduction. Consider how you want to present yourself to the daters.

– A short description. Prepare a short description of yourself to tell the speed daters who you are, what your interests are, what you’re looking for etc.

– Questions. Compile a list of questions that would get the person talking about him- or herself. You already know what kind of person you’re looking for to share your life with, try to ask the questions that will give you the right answers.

3. Compile a list of deal breakers and desirable traits

You already know what you want in a potential partner, so compile a list of things that will either qualify or disqualify the dater.

4. Be yourself

All first-time speed daters are on their nerves and tend to drift away from who they really are in order to impress each participant. Stay true to yourself by being who you really are. If you don’t find the right person, it’s just not meant to be.

5. Dress well

You want to make a great first impression, and it starts with your clothing. Wear something clean, wrinkle-free and well-fitted to attract the right amount of healthy attention.

6. Show some confidence

Confidence is key, and that is what most people find most attractive. Also remember to be friendly and polite to all participants, even if you realise early on that you’re not interested in a particular dater.

7. Introduce yourself

Introduce yourself to as many people as possible. Chances are you might not even meet all the participants during the speed dating session.

8. Respect the speed dating rules

Always respect the event’s time constraints. You may be hitting it off with one of the daters, and don’t want them to move on, but remember that you’ll have an opportunity to exchange details after the event is over.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites:

Rekord East

Rekord North

Rekord Centurion

Rekord Moot

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram.

• We have exciting news! We’re offering a free alert to help you always be in the loop. Send an email with the word ‘Subscribe’ to breakingnews@rekord.co.za to receive your free daily breaking news update.