So here's the deal. I'm participating in a charity speed dating event for one of my friends. This is the first time I've done speed dating, and I was going to start brainstorming some ideas for unconventional conversation starters (or at least lead-ins to more interesting topics than the weather, or other mundane subjects).

Because if i have to ask 25 women what they do for a living, who they know here, etc, and go through the same four-minute list of questions (for two hours), I may be tempted to just drink myself into having a good time (probably resulting in looking like an ass)

A little background on me: Mid-twenties male, live in Texas, I can hold a conversation, but sometimes have troubles getting one started. I tend to consider myself a "Jack of all trades, and master of none" as far as interests go, so I'm fairly "cultured."

I'm not looking to meet my future wife here or anything, I just think that this could be fun, and I can use the opportunity to work on my conversation and flirting skills.

So let me have it, Reddit.

  • What advice do you have for creating interest during speed dating?

  • What topics of conversation did you find to be successful given the short time frame?

  • Are telling funny stories a better approach than typical first date 'interview' banter, or should the short time frame be used to handle the essentials first?

  • The only canned question I'm considering using across the board would be "So what do you do for fun?" Good idea or bad idea? Use it as an opener, or save it for an awkward silence?

x-posted r/pua & r/RA .... if this doesn't qualify as seduction, my sincerest apologies.

EDIT: Consolidating Threads, Put New Comments Here