For those who have mastered the basics, it's time to take your silencing skills to the next level.
Use body language, facial expressions, and strategic eye contact to convey your disinterest without ever saying a word.
Example: The "I'm Not Listening" stare, where you maintain eye contact for 5 seconds or more while nodding slowly and pretending to care.
Steer the discussion away from sensitive topics by introducing a more interesting subject, like the weather or your favorite sports team.
Example: "Speaking of that meeting last week, did you hear about the new coffee machine in the break room?"
Write something on a piece of paper, anything, just to appear engaged and attentive. Bonus points if you can make it look like actual notes.
Example: Write "Yes, yes, yes" on a piece of paper and nod your head vigorously.
Affirmative nod, check, or "uh-huh" can go a long way in making your presence known without actually saying anything.
Example: A simple "uh-huh" can convey "I'm listening, I care, I'm on board."