It is a well known fact that we make our minds up about our interest in someone within a few seconds or minutes after meeting them. Another fact is that we have to meet alot of people to find that 'connection'. Speed dating takes advantage of these two facts and offers you the chance to meet a large number of interesting people in a very short time. Although speed dating has only been around about a decade it is rapidly growning in popularity. Go to Google and enter Speed Dating and the nearest large city to you and you are almost certain to come up many opportunities. Anywhere from 20-100 people come to a speed date and pay a small fee to have the opportunity to have a series of 3-10 minutes dates. At the end of the date, they fill out a card and give the names of the people they would like to see again. If both people express interest, the organizers supply the contact information.

Here are some suggestions for successful Speed Dating:

Have some questions prepared before the date. You do not want to appear boring and just sit there waiting for your date to ask all of the questions.

Look your best. Get your hair done nicely before going, dress in your best. Remember you are there to make an impression.

Check your breath often. It is normal to be nervous under such situations and nerves can cause the stomach to give off oders. Keep mints handy and use them often.

Watch your body language. One of the most basic and powerful signals is to sit back with your arms crossed over your chest. This gives an image of defensiveness or shyness. Rather sit forward with your hands on the table or gesture occaisionally. This says to your date that you are confident. People are normally more attracted to confident people. Maintain eye contact with your dates. Eye contact signals confidence. Lack of eye contact signals lack of confidence.

If you are attracted to the person flirt a little. Give a compliment, or even find the opportunity to give a friendly touch.

By all means remember your date's name and say their name at times during the date. "So, Lynda, tell me what you like to do in your spare time". People like to hear their name and hate it when their partner can not remember their names.