Just Six Minutes....

Sixteen guys. Six minute conversations. Long enough to really know someone? No…. but it definitely creates a starting point.

 

 

Last night I went speed dating for the first time and it was a rush to say the least.  Hosted at Taps in Winter Park, the whole scene was highly picturesque. Little numbered tables and couches, a score sheet to keep your notes on, and a bell that dictates the whole night. The women stay seated at their assigned tables while the men move each time the bell rings. Luckily, I was able to order a drink to calm my nerves ever so slightly before the night began.

At the end of the night, you get to mark down who you were interested in and who you were not. The next morning, emails are dispersed from the host… you get the email address of everyone that liked you and it is up to you where to go from there. So many potential future dates/friends from just one night!

I must say, if you’re looking to meet new people… this is a highly efficient way to do so. The event called for all single professionals from 21-32. The daters came from all over the Central Florida area, as far out as DeLand and Ocala. One guy had actually just moved to Orlando last week from another state! Their careers were just as diverse; there were people in hospitality, law, service, entertainment, and sales to name a few.  It was a great opportunity to meet people I probably never would have otherwise.

In hindsight, I made a LOT of mistakes at speed dating. It was still a great time and I now have veteran advice…

·         Take the time to TAKE NOTES on the people you meet. Something as simple as their job, or a key word about the conversation will help you in the end. You have to mark the people you want to hear from… so it is very important to remember who everyone is.  (I did not do this. I did not remember every conversation. I ended up marking everyone yes because I was in a rush at the end. Do not do that!)

·         Try to keep the conversation original. I think every single person asked me “what do you do for a living” and/or “what do you do for fun?” Those are great questions to get to know someone… but you have SIX minutes to be memorable! Ask something different!!! Stand out!!!!! (My perfect question was… Time Travel- do you travel to the future or the past?!)

·         The most important thing is to be yourself. Let your awkwardness show! Do not act shy!!! You’re not losing anything by showing these people your true personality. There is no reason to hold back because in the end you only have to spend a few minutes with them.

 I actually went with my friend that is a guy and I do recommend going with a friend of the opposite sex if you don’t want to go alone. It was great because we had a unique opener and you kind of get a six minute break when you two finally sit together.  If you go with someone of the same sex, you run into the dilemma of liking the same person and being competition.  

If you’re single, try it! In the end, I met sixteen super nice guys, had a fun night out, and was able to cross something off my bucket list.   Pre-Dating Speed Dating offers an event every month… the next one on July 15^th. You can sign up here http://www.pre-dating.com/orlando-speed-dating . The host, Roy, is extremely helpful and can answer any questions you may have.

Oh yes, one more piece of advice… DO NOT SHOW UP LATE! They have to wait on everyone to arrive before the event can begin… so when you’re late, it is definitely noticed.