As a master of meetings, it's essential to understand the lingo.
Also known as "sitting around the conference table," this is the art of pretending to be interested.
A delicate balance between agreement and attention.
Example 1: "Yes, I understand, I understand, I understand."
Example 2: "I see what you mean."
The art of maintaining visual connection with the speaker.
Avoidance of the dreaded "meeting stare."
| Techniques for Avoiding Eye Contact | Consequences |
|---|---|
| Look at the ceiling | May result in awkward silence |
| Check the notes | May result in "I'm taking notes" |
| Stare at the floor | May result in "Are you okay?" |
A well-timed pause can be a powerful tool in the observation game.
Example 1: "Hmmm, let me think about that."
Example 2: "I'm not sure I follow."
Staying focused on the speaker without appearing too focused.
Merging the art of observation with the science of relaxation techniques.
The meeting planner's eternal struggle: attending to multiple stimuli without appearing attentive.
This concludes our primer on observation for the enlightened meeting planner. May it guide you in the art of pretending to care.