To succeed at speed dating, arrive on time, dress well, and be yourself. During each date, be present and engaged by asking open-ended questions, listening actively, and maintaining positive body language with a smile and eye contact. Have fun and keep an open mind, and plan to follow up if you make a connection.

Before You Go

Plan ahead: Book your spot in advance and know how you’ll get there to avoid being late.
Dress to impress: Choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and is appropriate for the event, aiming for smart-casual.
Prepare questions: Have some interesting, open-ended questions in mind to get beyond standard small talk.
Practice confidence: Arrive with a smile and confident body language, even if you’re nervous.

During The Dates

Be present: Put your phone away and give your date your full attention.
Ask and listen: Ask thoughtful questions and actively listen to the answers, showing genuine interest. Avoid controversial topics like politics or exes.
Be yourself: Honesty is key. Authenticity helps you make genuine connections and avoid pretending to be someone you’re not.
Be positive and engaging: Smile, make good eye contact, and have a positive attitude. Injecting humor or sharing your passions can make you memorable.
Respect the time: When the signal sounds, move on promptly to allow the next person to sit down.

After the Dates

Take notes: Jot down a few notes about each person you met while it’s fresh in your mind.
Follow up: If you’re interested, follow up with the host or person directly. Don’t be afraid to ask for a number or social media handle if the situation is appropriate.
Keep it in perspective: Remember to have fun! The goal is to meet new people and enjoy the experience, not necessarily to find your soulmate at that moment.