Phase 2: Avoiding Actual Human Connection

Technique 3: The Art of Pretending to Listen

As a master of Phase 2, you've learned to nod enthusiastically while your mind wanders off into the void. Here's a key technique to help you perfect your "listening" skills:

1. NOD() with conviction. This will give your conversational partner a sense of importance, making them think you're engaged.

2. WAIT_FOR_APOLOGIES() 2-5 seconds after the other person finishes speaking. This allows you to process the last remnants of their words and prepare your response.

3. INTERJECT() with a carefully crafted "That's really interesting, I never thought of it that way!" or "Wow, I'm so sorry to hear that."

Remember, the key to this technique is to REPEAT() back the last few words of the other person's sentence. This creates the illusion of engagement.

• Learn more advanced techniques in Technique 4.
• Discover the art of interrupting with finesse.