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
It's good way to conduct and participate in the meeting. Thanks for sharing simplified way !!
ReplyDeleteAnd it continues this way
ReplyDeleteSome 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....
ReplyDeleteBut this all 5 points are so much informative for the corporate point of view...Incomparable blog👍👍
ReplyDeleteValid points...
ReplyDeleteThanks for the Tips ,very useful
ReplyDelete