Bad News Masking Skills: Technique 3

Step 3: The Art of Pretending to Listen

Also known as "The Fake Nodding Technique", this method involves nodding enthusiastically while simultaneously tuning out your coworker's inane chatter.

Key elements of this technique include:

• Nodding your head at a 45-degree angle while maintaining eye contact with your coffee cup
• Using the phrase "That's really interesting" or "Wow, that's great" in a completely monotone voice
• Moving your eyes back to the conversation only when necessary to ask a question