I was on LinkedIn the other morning, as I am each morning, and read a great article by Adrian Buhdram called “10 Tricks to Appear Smart in a Meeting.” I chuckled as I read it. I will share four with you, but first I wanted to let you know my thoughts.
I really like what Adrian has put together. It is funny, but applicable. I see others do it often—not all the suggestions, but some. And yes, I think they are “smart,” or seem to be. They get my attention. What I truly thought about after reading these was “How about just being smart in a meeting?” I have always believed that the best time to ask a question is when you don’t understand something. I try to encourage people in meetings /sessions I run to ask questions when they are not sure. It is an old saying, but true: If you are confused, others in the room probably are as well. Contribute what you know. Don’t fake it—you will get caught! If you don’t have anything to contribute, don’t say something just for the sake of being noticed. Meetings are places for exchange of ideas and dissemination of information. Some people are more methodical. If that is you and you come up with questions or thoughts an hour, a day, or later after the meeting, feel free to share them.
Of Adrian’s “10 Tricks,” here are my favorite four:
- Translate percentages to fractions. When someone says, “25% of the population…” follow up with “Oh, one in four, then.”
- Nod continuously while looking like you are taking notes.
- Pace around the room. As Adrian notes, whenever someone gets up and starts to pace and looks like they are thinking, we seem to gain respect for them (or at least used to until now!).
- Ask the presenter to go back one slide. No matter where it is, if you ask the presenter to go back a slide, everyone will think you are very focused and need more information.
To see all ten of Adrian’s tricks and learn more about Adrian and similar posts, click here.
These are just one person’s thoughts. Yours are welcomed as well. Please add your thoughts or comments below. Thank you for reading and your feedback.
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If you are authentic and engaged in the conversation these are great tools to present yourself better. However, if you are not authentic and engaged you are just buying into the ‘fake it until you make it’ philosophy. A philosophy that does not work and brings your character into question.
Brent,
You are very right my friend. These are great tools to continue to use if you are engaged… if not.. you will get caught!! Thanks for reading and the post! I hope you are having a great summer.
I thought these were great – I especially laughed at the ‘go back one slide’ – too funny. I will try a couple of these for sure- even though I am always engaged !!!! 🙂
Jill, I too loved the “go back one slide” Thanks for your comments and reading!