Once upon a time I had a job where I spent a lot of time in meetings. I endured them all with the help of doodles, and, I hate to admit, my smart phone.
Fast forward a few years and I still attend a few meetings as a member of the Board of Directors for the BSC Alumni Association. Last night found me at one, and it was the doodling of the chicken to the left and the hilarity of my fellow board members that got me through it.
On the way there I ran into my friend Sonja who let me in on a few secrets to surviving long and/or boring meetings.
1. Doodle.
This one seems obvious, but have you mastered it? Doodling in curved lines are better than straight — they look more like writing. And if you’re trying to give the impression that you’re taking notes, turning your doodle into a chicken like I did is probably not the way to go.
2. Feeling sleepy?
Tickle the roof of your mouth with your tongue. It keeps you awake and it’s good exercise. For your tongue, anyway.
3. Picture the speaker in funny hats.
Keep the hats rotating. Try a baby bonnet or two. Throw a hot dog on their head–anything your imagination can come up with. The entertainment on your face will pass for engagement in what they’re saying. I tried it last night–it’s fun.
Picturing Jan in a funny hat is much better idea than picturing her in her underwear.