7 in Heaven Speed Dating


	Ok…You've signed up for an event and you are ready to start speed dating. But you’re not quite sure what to say or expect at your first event ? First make sure that you read our FAQ page thoroughly. Then, let us help you with some tips for all you new speed daters. Reading our Speed Dating DO's dating tips can help you prepare to attend one of our events, or perhaps simply give you some good food for thought when it comes to dating! ALSO: Check out our LINKS / PHOTO's page for additional Articles, Opinions, Advise on Dating. Enjoy! Gail
SPEED-DATE but LIVE in the Moment
	Do decide what your goals are for the event - Even though attending a speed-dating event is about meeting new people, everyone has their own idea about what that means to them. What are your goals for the evening? Do you just aim to just get circulating again? Are you looking for something light like occasional dates or something serious and long term? Would you be open to a friendship centered around a common interest - like a sport or hobby? How far are you willing to travel for a relationship? Thinking about this beforehand can help inspire topics of conversations and questions. And ultimately, it may help you to select your "matches" - those with whom you'd like to follow-up with.
	Do dress for success! - casual but always neat, clean clothing.
	Do be positive - It's pretty exciting to attend a speed-dating event. Everyone at the event is focusing all his or her energy - meeting a special someone. You're all pulling in the same direction! What could be more positive than that?
	Do be patient - Expect the first few rounds of mini-dates to be a little awkward. This is a new experience for most participants. Have patience with yourself and those with whom you're paired.
	Do be accepting of chemistry - Keep your mind open. One of the real advantages speed dating offers compared to meeting people over the internet is the ablility to meet live and in person. Sometimes real chemistry does happen. For many people chemistry is important. So, if it happens to you, don't be blind-sided. Recognize and welcome it. (Then dig a little deeper to see what else there is.)
	Do focus on the opportunity at hand - As you begin each round of mini-dates, remember to stay focused. Don't dwell on how things went in the last dating round or whom you'll pair with next. You can't change the past; you can only impact the present. Give the person opposite you your full attention. You each only have a few moments together. Make the most of it! Save any effort to "catch up or regroup" for break time.
	Do give yourselves credit - You've arrived at the speed-dating event. As you look around the room you begin to wonder if you have anything in common with your fellow daters. Take a deep breath and find comfort in the knowledge that your goals are very much in keeping with those of the others here. By your very presence at this event, each of you is doing something positive about your desire to expand your social contacts, meet new friends and open yourself to the possibilities.
Tips for Ice Breakers at the Table
	Do remember to flash a wide smile - It's true. A smile can open doors. Especially at a social event like speed dating, it's natural and common for participants to be a little nervous. Science has proven that when you smile as well as when you laugh that it releases endorphins and makes you feel better. So, even if you and the person you're meeting are nervous, those nerves will calm down at least a notch or two once you smile. When you smile, it also can light up your eyes and face. Plus a smile is so universal that it can communicate even when words cannot.
	Do use your charm and engaging personality - Personality does count! There are still so many positive ways in which one can engage another. You can turn that to your advantage. Imagine how surprised and delighted people will be when your fun personality emerges and you're not as conservative or plain as you look. Always try to do something or say something so "engaging" that it immediately breaks the ice. Remember to make good eye contact. Being animated and changing the tone and pace of your speech can also help to make a point or to keep your listener's interest.
	Do ask open-ended questions and share something about yourself to establish some common ground - Seven minutes is not a lot of time so try your best to use it effectively. Most people will ask of you the usual questions like: What town do you live in? What do you do for work? Do you have children and how many? How long have you been single? If possible…try to think–outside-the-box. Here are some fun and creative questions you might ask to break the ice: Do you Travel much? Where have you been? Any cool vacation stories to tell? Do you have any hidden or secret talents? Heard any good jokes lately? Do you have a favorite saying? What's your favorite outdoor activity? What's your favorite indoor activity? Do you ever talk to yourself out loud? What do you talk about? Tell me your favorite guilty pleasure to eat? Favorite food?
	Do consider using flattery it does work wonders - Let's face it, flattery is hard to resist - especially when it's sincere or novel. A word of caution here is to be careful not to use too much of a good thing. If your flattery goes the route of "over the top," it'll probably result in creating a major turn-off instead of a turn-on. Look for a single thing that stands out to make your compliment. Each person is unique. Maybe it’s the cute side smirk they have, or the way they giggle, their great voice or those gorgeous blue eyes. Maybe they are a sharp dresser- compliment her blouse or the cool shirt he is wearing. Another approach might be to share with them a well known personality or celebrity of whom they remind you of. Whatever compliment you choose just be sincere- that will always shine through.
Safety First
	Safety tips for that first date following a speed-dating event: Agree to meet in a well-lit open public place where there'll be others nearby. Do not agree for one of you to provide transportation for the other or to be picked up at your home. Plan to bring a cell phone and have the number of the person whom you're meeting handy. Tell someone like a relative or friend about your plans and write down the details of the meeting in a date book or on a calendar.