How to Prepare for a Video Date

Lighting is critical, so make sure you’re well-lit and choose camera angles that will make you feel the most confidence. 

Before getting on the call, set up your camera in whatever way will make you feel the best and clean whatever area of the room will be in the frame. Lighting can also help set the mood, so perhaps try replicating some of the romantic candle lightings you’d find at a restaurant by dimming your lights. Place lighting in front of you or situate your computer facing a window for the best natural light during the day.

Mitigate Technical Issues

Charge your equipment to avoid getting disconnected. Ensure you have a great Wi-Fi connection, angle your phone or your computer or laptop to what suits you the best before you even start the date.

Dress for a great first impression

There is no need to dress like you’re pretending to be in a cocktail bar, but select an outfit with rich fabrics, flattering colors, and clean lines.

Navigating the Conversation

For a first date, whether in-person or virtual, treat the conversation like you already know the person, and you’re just jumping back into an existing discussion. If the chemistry is there, over-planning can sometimes take away from the conversation, so permit yourself to see what happens. If you must, think about a few things you’d like to know about this person and write topics, not questions.

Topics to Avoid

Conversations should respect people’s privacy, especially on a first date. If there’s a topic you wouldn’t ask someone at a cocktail party, then refrain from asking it on a first date. Don’t bring up the ex, sex, money, or past traumas. Remember, the point of a first date is to see if there’s chemistry and to set up the 2nd date.

Leave Something to Be Desired

Like any suitable date, you aim to leave that person feeling like they can’t wait to see you again (and you feeling like they did the same). Even if it’s going well, wrap things up after about 40 minutes or an hour at the very most, and ideally, it’d be nice to leave some unanswered questions for your next chat.