Speed Dating Tips:

Speed Dating is one of the most interesting new programs in the dating world. Here are a few good dating tips to learn ways to do it right - and to avoid the ways of doing it wrong.

1. Have fun
The most important thing to remember is to have fun! Searching for the right person at a speed dating event can be a fantastic experience, filled with anxiety and emotion. But if you approach it with a positive attitude and think of the hunt as being as much fun as the catch, you will have a better time.

2. Be on time
While this is true for most things, for a speed dating event you don't want to be late, or there is a good chance your spot will be given away to someone on the stand-by list. Just think, if you are 10 minutes late, you would have already missed your entire first date!

3. Be ready to talk
Most participants of speed dating events are amazed what it is like to talk so much in one short period of time. Of course, some of the talking is repetition. But everyone comes away with the feeling that they have talked nonstop for a couple of hours.

4. Be ready to listen
While you are going to be doing plenty of talking at a speed dating event - everyone does that - you are going to be doing even more listening that you thought possible. You will want to make sure you take time to listen to what the other person is saying. Don't concentrate only on asking your next question. Take notes. That way you will be able to remember the ones you want to much easier.

5. Have some questions prepared
Some speed dating services will provide you a basic list of questions to ask, if you have trouble coming up with your own. But most likely, there are certain things that are more important to you than others. Now is the time to move them to the top of your list. Be original and you will also probably be more memorable.

6. Spare the drinking
Most events are held at venues that supply alcohol. Feel free to take advantage of that, but in moderation. If you have a little too much, you will probably make a poor impression on others. Also remember that most event ticket prices do not include drinks, but only snacks.

7. Check references
Find out what others have thought of similar events run by the same organizer. If you are a Match.com member, find out what other members that have attended MatchLive events really thought. How many would go back again? How many found speed dating to be a good way to find a match?

8. Contact your matches quickly
Once you have a list - hopefully a long one - of people who thought you might be a good match, contact them quickly. If not to arrange something specific for a follow-up date, then at least to say hello so you don't get lost on their list.

9. Be safe
Don't provide any personal information, such as your phone number, or where you live. You will have the chance to do that later. The organizer will make sure that you have a way to contact the people who want you to.

10. Dress to impress
Remember, this is going to an evening of first impressions. So you will want to make sure you look the part. You will probably be given some guidelines on how to dress from the organizer. But this is an opportunity for you to stand out from the crowd if you look a little bit on the overdressed side of things.

11. Don't go it alone
Get your dating friends involved. It can be a lot more fun if you go with a couple of others so that you can compare notes afterwards. But don't go in too big of a crowd, as you are there to meet new faces.

12. Be honest in your evaluation of others
You will meet many people that are nice and friendly. But they are not all going to be your dream connection. Don't feel bad about weeding them out. They are going to be doing the same to you. But rejection is kept to a minimum with this type of format.

If you have other Speed Dating tips, we always want to know. Send us your best dating tips.