How To Make It Through an Excruciating Meeting

Meetings suck. Here's how to survive even the worst of them.
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Colleagues preparing for morning meetingEzra Bailey/Getty Images

First, Choose Your Target
Look at the person across from you. Perhaps they are sitting with their left elbow on the table, chin on their hand. Cautiously mirror them, leaning forward to catch their eye. Be subtle. When you make eye contact, do a little nod. You’re both bored, and now you’ve acknowledged it. You’re united.

Then Test Your Bond
Now cross your arms; see if they mirror you. A few minutes later, sit back and puff your chest out. Play around, but don’t mirror them again until they start to follow you. If they do, you just made yourself a meeting friend. And you’re probably still awake.