Pretend Ignoring: The Art of Not Really Hearing

Step 1: Stare intensely at your phone while nodding.

Make sure to maintain eye contact for at least 30 seconds.
Use a firm, yet non-committal, "uh-huh."
Nod vigorously, as if you're actually following.

Step 2: Pretend to be busy with something equally as important.

Stress the urgency of your fake tasks.
Use time-stamped, fake deadlines.
Exaggerate the complexity of your pretend tasks.