Speed dating is a formalized matchmaking process where people meet a large number of new people in a short period of time. It originated as a way for Jewish singles to meet and was popularized in the late 1990s in California. During speed dating, participants have a series of short, timed conversations, typically 5 minutes or less, back to back with a new person. Supporters argue that speed dating is efficient as it allows people to quickly decide if they are compatible and first impressions can be lasting. The document provides background on speed dating and suggests an activity where students role play a speed dating conversation.