5 Ways to Appear Smart in a Meeting


                                     

Meetings are an integral part of the corporate world. Rarely a day goes by when there’s no meeting. Majority of the meetings are so predictable. Some people talk, others hear (not listen), few action points are agreed upon and then that’s all. Seldom any follow-up is done.

Yet whenever there’s a meeting, we wonder what we are supposed to do. Many of us don’t know how to conduct ourselves. Yet we all want to make an impression. So, what are those actions we need to do, to look SMART in a meeting. From my experience, here are 5 sure-shot ways. Just say these 5 miraculous phrases:

1.    Come Again

When you say these magic words, everyone in the meeting room immediately understands that you have been paying attention (even though you were busy thinking about something else). The person who is doing the talking feels that you have been listening to every word that he’s been saying. ‘Come again’ means ‘I want to know more about what you’ve been talking about ‘ –  all the attendees start wondering at your powers of concentration and your determination to know fully well what is being discussed. Once the speaker starts explaining, you may go back to dreaming again.

2.     Go Back to the Previous Slide               

Another gem. While seeing a presentation, just say ‘go back to the previous slide.’ This will immediately draw attention towards you. ‘Wow’ the attendees will think. ‘This guy/gal knows his job.’ When the presenter goes back to the previous slide, just ask him to reiterate what he was saying. He/she will gladly do so. You have done the job of appearing smart yet again.

3.    It makes sense

When you say ‘it makes sense,’ you are endorsing what is being discussed in the meeting. In the eyes of the others, you’ll gain brownie points. They’ll think ‘We are still trying to figure out what is being discussed but to this fellow, things are already making sense.’

4.    Let’s Brainstorm

No matter which meeting you are attending, no matter what is being discussed, ‘Let’s Brainstorm’ is sure to work in your favour. Everyone will think how smart and intelligent you are. Despite so many ideas being floated, you are still recommending a brainstorming session. When the actual brainstorming session starts, you don’t need to participate (you shouldn’t act over-smart) – instead, you can go back to your dreamworld.

5.    Let’s Have another Meeting to take this Forward

When you say this, you’ve caught everyone’s attention. You’ll look committed and dedicated. You have taken the initiative to move the discussion forward. Go back to your desk and send a meeting request to the same attendees for another meeting. You’ve done another smart act.

-          NZ

          8.6.2019

     

Comments

  1. It's good way to conduct and participate in the meeting. Thanks for sharing simplified way !!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Some people are found dozing during the meeting in front of the speaker...But are found to be very much fresh during lunch break....Seems they only come to eat....

    ReplyDelete
  3. But this all 5 points are so much informative for the corporate point of view...Incomparable blog👍👍

    ReplyDelete
  4. Valid points...

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for the Tips ,very useful

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

My Mother named me Haider

The Lady in Red

Zaidis and Wastis