Making a stellar first impression
It's the big night. You've paid your $25, and you're
about to face a crowded room of singles who, like yourself, are
looking for love. You'll get to go on seven-minute Speed Dates
with ten of them, and hopefully leave with a phone number or
two.
Hopefully.
Wait one minute. We're going to turn that "hopefully" into an
"absolutely". You are going to absolutely leave the Speed Dating
session tonight with some phone numbers.
"But how?" you ask.
With a few little tips, that's how. Listen up.
Appearance
No matter how you look at it, the first minute of your seven
minute date will be spent sizing each other up. Appearances may
not mean everything in a relationship, but on Speed Dates they
carry a lot of weight. If you've just met a girl, and your shirt
clashes horribly with your pants, your hair is a mess, and your
deodorant is not working properly and you've got big sweat marks
under your arms, chances are she'll write you off in that very
first minute. She'll be sitting there praying for the seven
minutes - which now seem like an eternity in hell - to please
end.
To avoid this scenario, take some time before your Speed Dating
session to pick out some clothes that impress. As the saying
goes: "Dress for success." Wear something that looks neat and
put together. Keeping it simple is usually best. (Wild clothing
and hair styles should be saved for punk rock Speed Dating
sessions.) You want to stand out in the crowd, but not in a
negative way. Oh, and make sure that those clothes are properly
ironed!
Also make sure your hair is neatly groomed, your breath is
fresh, and your deodorant is working. Some cologne or perfume
(for the girls) in moderation never hurts - but don't take a
bath in it. Basically, if you look good, you'll feel good. Your
date will sense that, and your chances of having a high mark on
his or her scorecard will be greater.
Attitude
If appearance isn't everything, then attitude certainly is.
Attitude is important in both personality and in body language.
For example, don't slouch when sitting across from your date.
Sit tall and confident. A confident person is desirable; they
know what they want and go after it. Don't bite your nails,
crack your knuckles, or yawn. It's ok to be a little nervous,
but don't let your nerves dominate the date. In the end, your
date will remember cringing as you bit the skin off of your
thumb.
Most importantly, go on the date with a smile and a sense of
humor. Let your date see that you're having fun. If you radiate
a sense of fun, humor, and happiness, your date will be
attracted to that and want to see you again. Make eye contact,
and show your date that he or she has your complete attention.
Make them feel like they are the only person in that crowded
room. You may want to give your date a compliment, but make sure
it's just one. Overdoing the compliments will make you look
insincere. Really, how many times can you compliment a person
you've only known for a few minutes?
And remember: never, ever insult anyone or make fun of anything
during your date. You don't know the type of person your date
is, and it could be that you somehow end up insulting them.
Politics, religion, race, and other sensitive topics should be
avoided at all costs. This is a date, remember - not a debate.
If you happen to be a shy person, and feel uncomfortable making
small talk with a stranger, keep in mind that to your date, you
can be just about anyone. They don't have to know you are
shaking in your shoes. Have confidence. If you are that worried
about what to talk about with your date, have some topics
planned in advance of going. But don't make it sound like you're
reading them off of a list. Let your conversation sound natural.
If anything is going to win your date over in the end, it's
simplicity, politeness, sincerity, and a smile.
Speed Dating is simplified dating. Don't complicate it.
With that said, good luck. Now go out there and get those phone
numbers!