Online Speed Dating - Dating in a Flash (Making the Most of your Cyber Speed Date)

· Let someone know if you find them interesting. You might feel like you're pouring it on a little thick, but what the heck, you only have a few minutes! Smile, make eye contact, and pull out any tricks in your arsenal . within reason. Avoid going overboard (licking your lips, for example, is definitely out).

· Observe the rules of internet courtesy. Hopefully you're chatting live, but if for some reason you.re text-messaging, take the time to type things out properly. Well-known abbreviations such as LOL are acceptable, blatant typos and spelling errors are not.

· Be yourself. It can be tempting to pretend you have similar interests to your partner or make up stories in an online speed dating situation, but it's never a good plan. You're likely to contradict yourself at a later date, and you don't really want someone who's not interested in you for yourself, anyway.

· Be honest but tactful.

· Remember to occasionally glance right into the webcam. It might feel funny, but to your partner it will seem as though you.re looking right at them . the best way to make online eye contact!

DON'T:

· Have unrealistic expectations. Online speed dating is not a magical cure for the relationship blues. Chances are you'll only find one or two people you really connect with, and it's entirely possible you'll have to repeat your speed-dating extravaganza a few times before you find someone you really want to be with. Go in with a positive attitude and plan for fun rather than a future wedding.

· Give out personal information during your meeting. You'll have a chance to do this later. If you do find yourself in a situation where you're asked to reveal contact information, and you're comfortable doing so, limit it to your email address.

· Never, ever, under any circumstances reveal your home address or place of work to a stranger. Keep comments about where you work general rather than specific (.I teach grade two,. not .I'm a second grade teacher at Wood Hills Elementary..)

General Hints and Tips

Never underestimate the power of .the little things,. especially when you only have a few minutes to make an impression. Your goal is to leave your mark. When your partner leaves, you want to stand out in their memory. There are a few simple ways to accomplish this goal!

· Be confident. Dress and look your best so you feel your best. Before the event begins, remind yourself of some of your best points . not necessarily so you can share them with others, but just so you know in your own mind that you're a great person deserving of happiness. Confidence is contagious, and nothing is more attractive than someone who projects self-security.

· Demonstrate positivity and enthusiasm. Don't complain, even in a light-hearted manner. Be friendly, cheerful, and engaging.

· Stand out. If you're comfortable doing so, choose a bright color that looks great on you. This is especially valuable advice for women. Pick something that makes you stand out from the crowd! Men should dress neatly but not extravagantly . most women find a well-dressed man a rare but attractive commodity.

· Make sure you're well-groomed. Trim your nails. Brush your teeth. Shave. Throw on some make-up. Whatever it takes to get you looking and feeling your best. Clothes are important, but in an online speed-dating experience your face is the thing framed and up-close. Take the time to look your best.

Body Language

As Alison Krauss said, .you say it best when you say nothing at all.. Be aware of how you're positioning your body. Make sure you're showing interest and engagement.

· Lean forward slightly . not so your face is in the webcam, but enough to show that you're interested in what your partner has to say.

· Respond to things your partner is saying: nod, smile, laugh, tilt your head . whatever feels natural.

· Make eye contact

· Don't fidget. The nice thing about online dating is that, if you really can't stop yourself from twisting that ring or drumming on your thigh, you can do it off-camera and keep your partner from noticing!

· Know your signals. Men often indicate attraction through direct eye contact, especially if accompanied by a playful smile. Women communicate much the same way, although they sometimes have a touch of shyness thrown in . if your partner breaks eye contact and glances down with a smile, take it as a positive sign! Both men and women should be aware of the signals their partner is sending. If you're interested, use your own body language to communicate your intent!

· Smile! Amidst all the confusion it can be easy to forget the most important thing of all. A bright smile makes you seem friendly and approachable. It's always more fun to talk to someone who seems to be enjoying themselves.