Virtual Speed Dating
Now that much of the world is starting to open up, some singles are ready to kickstart their dating life to find their partner. The transition itself into the ‘new normal’ isn’t easy, which is why many singles remain interested in exercising a hybrid approach of mixing online vs in person to their dating life. This flexibility allows them to brush up on their social skills and ease back into fostering new relationships while being in a safe environment at home.
During the pandemic, the term ‘speed dating’ became a trending search word and caused a significant uptick in online speed dating events, and continues to be a popular choice today. Virtual speed dating provides that perfect intermediate approach of clicking with someone online before meeting them in person. It allows all the fun and efficiency of maximizing the number of potential matches in a short amount of time, from the comfort of your home without breaking the bank. And let’s face it, for us South Asians, the concept of meeting potential matches for a few minutes isn’t new. We’ve grown up hearing how our parents and the generations before them barely had a few minutes together before getting married, so virtual speed dating is right up our alley at least in assessing potential partners.
With our upcoming virtual speed dating event on September 27, 2022, here are some tips to set you up for success. For those that haven’t signed up yet, we encourage you to at least give it a shot.
Have your designated area camera ready.
Before you go online, set up your laptop so that it is slightly above you vs looking down and showing a potentially unflattering angle of your face.
Proper lighting is critical to allow the other party to fully see you.
Test your video and mic beforehand to avoid wasting valuable time on fine tuning during the call.
The background should look neat, have an inviting ambience and reflect your style.
Minimize distractions.
Try to keep your designated area relatively quiet and ensure that pets or curious family members don’t interrupt your time. (Desi families take note here!) Phones should remain off or on vibrate.
Have your questions ready.
Focus on asking interesting questions that allow a two way dialogue versus asking factual questions ie. How many siblings do you have? The right questions allow the conversation to be fun and engaging and allows you to avoid disconnected dialogue and awkward silences.
Don’t forget your answers.
People often plan their questions but forget to think about how they might respond when asked common ones.
Be presentable.
Sitting in the comfort of your own home is convenient, but putting an effort on your appearance is still just as important online as it is in person. Remember, you are your own brand and showcase it proudly.
Be yourself.
Nerves are normal but don’t let your nervousness take over the conversation where you dominate the entire time. Since there is a limited amount of time, be conscious of balancing the talking and listening. Most importantly, relax and have fun!
-BA
