Surviving meetings
Meetings can be incredibly draining. With the right preparation and strategies, you don't have to dread them anymore.
Before the meeting
- Read the agenda beforehand
- Prepare your points in writing
- Consider whether you really need to attend
- Bring headphones and water
- Plan recovery time after the meeting
During the meeting
- Use chat to make points if speaking is difficult
- It's okay to turn your camera off during video calls
- Take notes — it helps you stay focused
- Ask for clarification if something is vague
- You don't have to respond to everything
After the meeting
- Take a break before continuing work
- Write down the action items for yourself
- Ask for minutes if there aren't any
- Give yourself time to process
Survival strategies
The 'listening in' strategy
In large meetings, you can indicate that you're listening but not actively participating, and will send your input in writing afterwards.
The 'time limit' strategy
Indicate beforehand that you can stay until a certain time. This gives you a natural exit point.
The 'anchor' strategy
Choose one thing to focus on during the meeting: your own agenda item, taking notes, or monitoring the chat.
Related
When it gets too much anyway? Read what to do when you get overstimulated at the office.
Overstimulated at the office