When you find a match and set up a video date, you don’t want to underestimate the importance of first impressions. Since it’s not a physical date, some people think that it means that they don’t have to try so hard – this is a big, big mistake!
When online dating takes the next step and goes from chatting introductions to a video date, then you’ve got a chance to impress someone and to move things to the next level.
Let’s take a look at 5 tips that can help you to do exactly that!
Dress sharp
Resist the urge to dress casually. While one of the perks of video dating is that you can do it from home, save the ‘casual’ appearance for after you’ve gotten to know each other. Dress like you would if you were physically going out and be sure to look your best. You only get one chance to make a first impression, after all.
If you tend to dress casually all of the time, you can make an exception, but just remember – what they see now is going to be a large part of their decision to have a second date or not. It doesn’t hurt to show them that you WANT their attention.
Have good sound and a stable camera
Dressing to the nines and combing out your meticulously won’t help if they can’t see you. You should test your sound in advance with your built-in camera application, so that you know that your voice is crips and clear.
If the video date will be done by phone, consider a mount. Phone video tends to be shaky, as you are holding it in your hand. An inexpensive mount will ensure that your image stays in one place so that your date won’t get dizzy for the wrong reasons!
Clean and arrange your background
Even if the rest of the house looks like it’s been hit by a hurricane, it doesn’t take much effort to clean up the space that is going to be in view on the camera. Dust it up a bit, remove the clutter, and considered placing a few items that reflect your hobbies in the background.
The clean background with little hints about your personality can go a long way. It shows that you feel the date is important and those items can help to keep the conversation going. The longer the date goes on, then the better your chances, so put a little thought and care into your background – you’ll be happy that you did!
Be on your best behavior
Be on your best behavior, much as you would in a public place. Be yourself and be confident. Don’t forget to be polite. Remember that they’ve agreed to meet you, so the interest is there, and you want to keep your nervousness from taking away from your date.
Treat it like you would a physical date. A video date is a real date, it’s just modern and new, so be respectful, confident, and be yourself.
Don’t overthink your date
Planning too much can sap the life out of your date. Don’t relax too much and don’t be too controlling. The goal is simply to spend time together and to have fun doing it. Force yourself to relax and take your time getting to know each other.
If you like to plan things out to make them very special then you can still do so, but if things go south you must be open to going with the flow!
Some closing words on impressing your date during video dating
Planning a successful video date is all about knowing the basics, so hang on to the tips that we’ve shared today and the rest is up to you. Dress sharp and make sure that your equipment is tested and ready. Prepare your background with cleaning and some artful arrangement.
Finally, be on your best behavior and don’t overthink things. Once you’ve set the stage then the show can begin and that is where the magic happens!