Speed Dating can be a very nerve wracking event for lots of people and we understand that you may feel this way before you go to an event. Sometimes you may just need a little extra guidance before diving into your 12 dates. So here some of the top speed dating techniques and speed dating do’s and don'ts that we think will help you when preparing for your dates:

Smile

Smiling is one of the most attractive qualities and it is not even difficult to do, even if you’re feeling nervous. Smiling will actually make the other person relax which should in turn make you feel calm on the date. Often, not showing your smile can come across cold and unapproachable and even though you may not be meaning to come across this way, it can speak a thousand words to people around you. So grab a drink, relax, and smile the night away because smiling and laughing is contagious!

Speed Dating Questions

Firstly and most importantly, avoid talking about work! Obviously it is good to know what your date does, but you only have four to five minutes with them, so why would you want to waste this time talking about your 9-5 day job? We’re sure your date doesn’t want to hear what you did at work that day and what you ate for lunch. This is one of our speed dating rules; Don’t talk about work for 4 minutes straight! So spice the date up a bit by asking questions that will make you memorable to them and hopefully their answer will be memorable to you too. You can ask more standard questions when you have more time. For now you want to know more about people personally and what they like doing outside of work: What is your favourite thing to do on the weekend? Ever eaten so much pizza that you threw up on the tube? What song makes you feel happy? These questions will definitely have your date thinking more and you’ll be able to know more about them personally… So don’t be scared, open up and come with a couple of engaging and fascinating questions to ask your dates!

What to wear speed dating

You’re not sure what to wear to a speed dating event? Well, dressing to impress never hurt anyone and will definitely not be hurting the eyes of your 8-12 dates and first impressions do really count at our singles parties and events. You’re better off coming to our events wearing something you also feel confident in as confidence is such an amazing trait in this sense. It will surely make you feel better about approaching people if you’re wearing something you love. Here at SpeedDater, we always choose the most classy and stylish venues so if you’re stuck on what to wear or are unsure on how you should dress up for one of our speed dating events, social or party, we recommend dressing in line with the venue guidelines. Some of our venues request no denim or trainers, so it is best to check so you are sure on what to wear speed dating. For men - from seeing the way that men dress at events, we’d recommend; smart jeans/trousers and a shirt and nice shoes. Women seem to be a lot more drawn to men who look like they may have just come from the office (maybe they have!) For women - a nice dress or some tailored trousers and a pretty top, with either heels or flats, depending on what is most comfortable for you. Sometimes women at our events wear lots of sparkles, shimmering through the night! This would definitely catch the eye of potential love interests, so go on, grab your most glittery top if you want to be remembered!

Don’t just talk about yourself

Making the conversation all about you will not go down very well. It’s understandable when you’re nervous that you just want to go on and on about what you do and your interests, but it can be a lot for the other person. So try and ask questions back, listen and seem interested even if you do not feel it.

Speed dating tips for women

Ladies, this speed dating advice is JUST for you!

Come with an open mind

If you have never attended a speed dating event before, your best bet is to come in, completely open minded. Unfortunately, you probably won’t meet Brad Pitt or Timothée Chalamet at the event. However, everyone at the event will be interesting and also single, so they’re worth a shot, even if they’re not famous actors. You will most likely get the chance to meet people not in your social circle and these people may not be your type but then maybe that’s a good thing?

Make new friends

Of course, we understand that romance is what you’re meant to be looking for at our Speed Dating events, but you can never have too many friends right? The woman next to you may be really nervous too, so chat to her and get to know her before it all starts. Who knows, she could become your new festival buddy! Also, you may not feel a romantic spark with a guy you’re on a date with and that’s ok, if you have similar interests, friends is also a great option. We also have this option on our score cards at events, so if you’re feeling like you just want to be friends with any of your dates, you can still message them and organise to do something on a platonic level!

Don’t drink too much

A drink to calm our nerves can work wonders, however don’t go overboard with the alcohol on the night! You want to be able to remember all of your dates and them to remember you, but not in a drunk way.

Try more than one speed dating event

Every event is different and if you enjoyed your first event, why not book onto another? You’ll be able to meet a new and interesting bunch of singles. Trying our different styles of events like Wine Tasting, parties and speed duetting will also open you up to more opportunities to meet your potential match. Who knows, you may discover your love for something new whilst you’re at it! Another bonus is that if you don’t find any one you fancy at one of the events, you can come to another one for free… so why not try another one to increase your chances of finding the one?

Don’t be afraid to come to a singles night on your own

Many of our guests attend speed dating events on their own and that is nothing to be scared of! Also you can make friends with other people who have also come solo. Of course we understand that it is fun to go with your girl group and discuss dates after, but it is also good to do these activities on your own because it can probably be taken a bit more seriously! Sometimes, going solo is the best way to go and no one will judge you for it.

Speed dating tips for men

Book your singles event ticket in advance

One of our best speed dating tips for guys is booking tickets in advance; Our male tickets sell out really fast because men will always book a couple of weeks or a week in advance. So we’d recommend that all men book in earlier on to ensure that you don’t miss out on an event that you would really like to be at. However, don’t book SO far away that you forget about it, or put it in your calendar as soon as you’ve bought your ticket.

Network

Even though you’re attending one of our singles events to get to know other singles and find your potential match, you can also get to know other guys at the event too. So go and grab a drink and chat with another guy before all of the women arrive. Honestly, women find it very attractive seeing men get on, it makes you seem confident and approachable. Networking and getting to know other guys there before the event commences could also spark some great friendships! You never know until you try…

Contact your friendship and dating matches

TICK TICK TICK! Don’t forget to use your SpeedDater score cards to mark down who you’ve seen that night, women are normally a lot better at remembering to do this, but if you like someone, you should definitely tick them. Don’t forget to also contact them through our free messaging service if you match, you never know what could happen!

Move on promptly between dates

We understand that sometimes you click with someone instantly and just want to keep on chatting away but you still need to keep on moving, but don’t worry you will be able to see them after the event! We usually give 1 minute between each speeddate for you to wrap up your conversation and write anything down. Just remember to think about the people behind you and the lady who may be waiting on her own for you to move on. It also helps the host to keep a smooth flow of movement if you are not loitering at your previous date. It is called SPEED dating after all!

Sell yourself

Everyone has things that make them stand out and memorable, so why not start off with talking about these traits of yours? You have a lot of competition at these types of events, so bring your best talent and charm to the date, and hopefully all the ladies will remember you!

Speed dating questions

You’ve just bought a ticket to one of our events, but you then realise that you have no questions up your sleeve or have no idea what to ask when you sit opposite your dates…You only have 4-5 minutes with your dates so it is very important to ask questions that will really help you get to know each other. So if you are really stuck, give our guide below a read! Remember to listen as much as you talk, ensuring that the conversation is balanced! it’s not all about you. The best topics to talk about are those which can smoothly lead into another topic or interest. It really does make such a difference if the conversation flows!

SpeedDater’s Top 40 Speed Dating Questions

Background speed dating questions

• What is your favourite season?
• Do you have any pets?
• Did you go to university?
• Where did you grow up?What were your parents like?
• Do you have any brothers and sisters?
• Speed dating questions about your date’s interests
• What are your hobbies?
• Do you like to read?
• Do you like to go walking?
• Do you prefer a day of chilling and watching films or a day out doing something active?
• What do you like to do on a sunday?

Speed dating questions about travel

• Favourite holiday you’ve been on?
• Have you been skiing before?
• If you could go dolphin swimming or shark diving, which would you pick?
• Do you prefer city breaks or sunbathing holidays?
• Are you going on any holidays this year?
• What is one thing you can’t travel without?
• What advice would you have for someone who has never been on holiday/travelling?

Speed dating questions about food/drink

• Do you prefer breakfast, lunch or dinner? Do you like to cook?
• If you could only eat one style of food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
• Do you have a favourite restaurant? Do you prefer coffee or tea?
• What would be your main components for a full english breakfast?
• Gin, Vodka or Tequila?

Film/music speed dating questions

• What is your favorite music genre?
• Do you prefer horror films or the comedy genre?
• What film would you choose if you had to watch only one for the rest of your life?
• Have you been to any music festivals?
• What is your favourite film of all time?
• Is there one song that means so much to you?
• Can you play an instrument?
• What is your go to karaoke song?

Random speed dating questions

• Any secret talents?
• If you could trade lives with anyone for a day, who would it be?
• What is your pet peeve?
• Would you rather do x or y?
• Do you believe in ghosts?
• What are 3 items that you would need on a desert island?
• How long do you think you’d last in a zombie apocalypse?

Dating Advice Speed Dating Questions and Topics to Avoid

WORK!

Work is such a dull topic to talk about for 4-5 minutes, your time is too precious to be wasted talking about what you do at work.

Religion/Politics

This topic can often be a little too intense for a first date, best to save it for when you know more about your date.

Exes

There is absolutely no point in talking about your exes, the people you are on a date with will definitely not want to hear about your ex. It may also mean there are still some unresolved feelings if you are thinking about your ex, this will put your dates off, so AVOID, AVOID AVOID!

Money

Your dates will not want to hear about how much you earn a year… Talking for a few minutes with new people can definitely sound nerve wracking, and we understand that. However, as soon as you get into the swing of it, you’ll relax. Just remember that everyone is in the same boat and feeling just as nervous as you. We really hope these speed dating tips and tricks have made you feel a little less anxious about attending...So what are you waiting for?! Go get your tickets now!