What Are the Best Practices for First Online Dating Video Calls?

September 20, 2024 FreshMeet

With the increasing popularity of online dating, video calls have become an essential step in getting to know someone better before meeting in person. A first video call can feel daunting, but by following some best practices, you can create a comfortable and engaging experience that builds connection. This article will answer the top 10 most common questions about first online dating video calls, providing insights on how to make the best impression and keep the conversation flowing.

Why Are Video Calls Important in Online Dating?

Video calls have become a crucial part of the online dating process, offering a chance to see and hear your match in real-time. Here’s why they’re important:

Adds a Personal Touch: Video calls allow you to experience facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice, which can be harder to interpret through text.
Saves Time: A quick video call can help you gauge whether there’s potential chemistry before investing time in an in-person date.
Builds Trust: Seeing someone live reassures you that they are who they say they are, adding a layer of safety and authenticity to the online dating experience.

A successful video call can either confirm a connection or help you move on to the next potential match.

How Should You Prepare for a First Video Call?

Preparation is key to ensuring a smooth and comfortable first video call. Here’s how to get ready:

Check Your Tech: Ensure that your camera and microphone are working properly, and that your internet connection is stable to avoid interruptions.
Choose a Quiet, Well-Lit Space: Find a comfortable spot with good lighting and minimal background noise. Natural light is ideal, but make sure your face is clearly visible.
Dress Comfortably but Neatly: Treat a video call like a casual first date. Dress in a way that reflects your personality, but still put some effort into your appearance.

Preparing well ensures that you feel confident and focused on building a connection during the call.

What Are Good Conversation Starters for Video Calls?

Starting a video call with engaging conversation helps ease any initial awkwardness. Here are some great conversation starters:

Ask About Their Day: A simple “How was your day?” is a casual way to begin and shows that you’re interested in their daily life.
Mention Something From Their Profile: Refer to something unique in their dating profile, such as a hobby or interest, to show that you’ve paid attention.
Share Something About Yourself: Open up by sharing a light or interesting story about yourself to kick-start the conversation and make it feel more natural.

Starting with familiar or engaging topics helps both you and your match feel more comfortable during the call.

How Can You Keep the Conversation Flowing?

Once the conversation has started, it’s important to keep the energy going and avoid awkward silences. Here’s how to do that:

Ask Open-Ended Questions: Encourage your match to elaborate on their answers by asking questions like, “What do you enjoy most about your job?” instead of simple yes/no questions.
Be Attentive: Show that you’re actively listening by nodding, smiling, and responding thoughtfully. This helps build rapport and shows genuine interest.
Share Common Interests: If you find you have something in common, explore that topic further. Shared interests can lead to deeper conversations and create a stronger connection.

By staying engaged and focusing on shared interests, you can keep the conversation flowing naturally throughout the video call.

How Long Should a First Video Call Last?

Knowing how long a first video call should last can help set expectations and keep the interaction enjoyable. Here’s some guidance:

Aim for 30-60 Minutes: A good rule of thumb is to keep the first call between 30 to 60 minutes. This allows enough time to get to know each other without making it feel too long or overwhelming.
Pay Attention to the Flow: If the conversation is going well and both parties are enjoying themselves, it’s okay to extend the call. Conversely, if the conversation feels strained, it’s better to wrap up early.
End on a High Note: Try to conclude the conversation when the energy is still positive, leaving room for future communication.

Keeping the call at a comfortable length helps maintain a sense of excitement and anticipation for future interactions.

How Do You Set the Right Tone for the Video Call?

Setting the right tone for a first video call can help ease nerves and build a good foundation for future interactions. Here’s how:

Be Warm and Friendly: Start the call with a genuine smile and a friendly greeting. This immediately creates a welcoming atmosphere.
Stay Relaxed: Remember, it’s just a conversation. Keep things light, especially at the beginning, to help both you and your match feel comfortable.
Balance Humor and Seriousness: While it’s great to have fun, also be mindful of balancing light conversation with deeper questions that help you learn more about each other.

Setting a positive, relaxed tone helps both you and your match feel at ease, allowing for a more authentic conversation.

What Should You Avoid Doing on a First Video Call?

There are certain behaviors to avoid during a first video call to ensure it goes smoothly. Here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:

Avoid Multitasking: Stay focused on the conversation. Checking your phone or engaging in other activities can come across as disinterest.
Don’t Dominate the Conversation: Allow your match to speak and share equally. Avoid making the conversation one-sided by talking too much about yourself.
Avoid Sensitive Topics: Steer clear of heavy or controversial topics like politics, religion, or past relationships on the first call. Keep things light and fun to avoid unnecessary tension.

Avoiding these behaviors will help you leave a good impression and ensure the call feels enjoyable for both parties.

How Should You End the Call?

Ending a video call on a positive note is just as important as how you begin. Here’s how to close the conversation gracefully:

Express Gratitude: Thank your match for their time and let them know you enjoyed the conversation.
Mention Future Plans: If the call went well and you’d like to continue getting to know each other, mention the possibility of another video call or even an in-person date.
Be Polite Even if It’s Not a Match: If you didn’t feel a connection, be polite and end the call with kindness. You can still appreciate the conversation without leading them on.

Ending the call positively ensures both parties leave the interaction feeling respected and valued.

What If There Are Technical Difficulties?

Technical difficulties can happen during a video call, but handling them with grace is key. Here’s what to do if something goes wrong:

Stay Calm: Don’t panic if the video freezes or the sound cuts out. These things happen, and it’s important to stay composed.
Communicate Clearly: If the technical issue persists, explain the problem to your match and suggest restarting the call or rescheduling if necessary.
Have a Backup Plan: Keep another communication method ready, like texting or messaging through the dating app, in case the call can’t be resumed.

Handling technical difficulties calmly shows that you’re adaptable and understanding, which can leave a positive impression even if the call doesn’t go as planned.

Should You Follow Up After a Video Call?

Following up after a video call is a great way to show interest and keep the momentum going. Here’s how to follow up effectively:

Send a Thank You Message: A quick message thanking your match for the call and expressing your enjoyment is a nice way to wrap things up.
Suggest Next Steps: If the call went well, mention the possibility of a second video call or even a future in-person date.
Keep It Light: If you’re unsure about a future connection but enjoyed the call, a friendly follow-up message leaves the door open for further communication without pressure.

Following up with a thoughtful message shows respect and interest, setting the stage for continued communication.

First online dating video calls can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation and approach, they can also be a great way to build a meaningful connection. By following best practices—such as preparing your space, engaging in thoughtful conversation, and setting the right tone—you can ensure that your video call experience is enjoyable for both you and your match. Whether it leads to a second call or an in-person date, approaching video calls with confidence and positivity will set you on the right path toward successful online dating.