Speed dating is a formalized process aimed at focusing on first impressions, set up for people to meet each other. Men and women are rotated around the group through a series of short dates, usually running around 5-8 minutes. At the conclusion of each interval, a bell is rung and players and rotated to the next date in line. Contact information is not allowed to be traded between parties during a date, but rather at the conclusion of the event, people may submit to the event organizers the names of people they would like to see again, if there is a mutual match, details are forwarded on.

For those who want to make the most out of speed dating (not necessarily meeting a life partner) but having fun, making some new friends and even the chance of getting a real date out of speed dating, there are a few simple rules to follow.

Keep conversation basic, obey the basics of dating rules in that you should not bring up forbidden dating topics like sex, money, politics and religion. Keep conversation light, ask about what they do for a living, where they are from and what their interests are. If they are even remotely interested in you they will return with similar questions. Smile, be polite and courteous. Speed dating has a great advantage in that if you do not like the person, you only have to wait a matter of minutes to move on to the next, no drawn out dinners or awkward silences.

The main thing to remember is that speed dating revolves around the theory of a lasting first impression, and as such, one should be well groomed, tidily dressed and ready impress. Do not over dress; men don’t wear a suit and women don’t expose too much skin or you men may want to see you again for the wrong reasons. Do not wear items that scream desperation or ‘look at me’, for example you would not want to wear a Rolex to one of these events or you may attract people that only wan to see you again for your money.

Speed dating is all about conversation, is it however not the time to air your personal baggage. Think about how you would act on a regular date. Above all else, do not try and be someone else, don’t act like you are trying too hard or you will look like you are uncomfortable and make your date feel this way too. While you ate trying to impress your date, you must be sincere, polite and above all honest and presentable if you want a chance at another meeting.