Speed Dating Tips - How to be remembered in 5 short minutes

Until recently, speed dating seemed like something you only heard about through the grape vine, or you saw in movies or on TV. Well for those who may not believe it, it does exist. I didn't believe it myself until I was coerced by a group of single friends to tag along with them.

The basic gist, in case you have never heard of it, this is a way to meet other single people. There is a bunch of other single people in which you move from table to table and you have a certain amount of time to "meet and greet" this complete stranger. In that small amount of time you are both trying to set an impression for this person, as well as trying to get to know them to determine whether or not you think there could be a possibility.

After my first experience with this, I have come up with a list of Do's and Don'ts to speed dating and thought I would share them with anybody who might be considering it.

First, Do not drink too much before going. I know a lot of people like to have a drink or two to loosen up and help you talk more freely, however nobody wants to meet the drunk you. They are there to meet the real you, and if you are drunk, your personality could be completely different then your true self. Remember, you are trying to make an impression in a short amount of time, and you want people to remember your true self. It will also help you to more easily focus and make good decisions.

Do not, be fake. It's pretty easy to see past that and that is an easy way for people to scratch you off their list. Do not do all the talking. If you don't let the other person have a word, how do you expect to get to know them? That could also rub off on some people as being conceited and a reason for them not to be interested. With that stated, do not let them do all the talking. You want to have an equal amount of talking so that you both have an equal opportunity to get to know each other.

Do go with a group of friends. It helps to take the edge off, and if you are feeling a little embarrassed, its nice to have someone to laugh it off with. And also, its nice to have them there to get there take on the other people you may have met. Do loosen up and be yourself. It gets annoying after the third or fourth over exaggerated "hi, how are you", that sounds totally fake. It's easier to talk to someone when you are relaxed and you will find yourself focusing more on getting to know them, then focusing on how nervous you are. Do keep an open mind, and remember everyone else is in the same boat as you are. They are also single, trying to meet other single people. You may meet some weird people, but you also have the opportunity to meet some real genuine people. Finally, do have fun. This can be an experience you will never forget, and who knows maybe you will meet Mr. or Mrs. Right.

I hope these tips will help you if you are considering speed dating. I personally consider it a wonderful way to meet other single people because you are in a large group of other single people, all there for the same reason.