Meetings are like boss fights:
You could win…
Or you could spend 40 minutes listening to someone read a slide you already saw in the email.
But with the right strategy, you can survive any meeting in just 90 seconds — mentally, emotionally, and professionally.
Here’s your rapid-fire survival playbook.
1. First 30 Seconds: Scan the Room Like a Pro
Before anything begins, do the essential diagnostics:
- Who looks alive? They’re your allies.
- Who’s opening a 50-slide deck? That’s your threat.
- Who brought snacks? That’s your hero.
- Who joined on mute with no camera? That’s the saboteur.
This intel sets the tone for your escape plan.
2. Seconds 30–60: Master the “Active Listening Face”
You don’t need to actually listen — you need to look like you are.
The Active Listening Face includes:
✔ Slight nod every 12–15 seconds
✔ Thoughtful eyebrow lift
✔ Occasional “Hmm, interesting…”
✔ A well-timed scribble that means nothing
Congratulations — you now look engaged without engaging.
3. Seconds 60–75: Ask the Magic Question
If the meeting is spiraling — and it will — drop the universal reset button:
“What’s the outcome we’re trying to achieve here?”
This does three things instantly:
1️⃣ Forces clarity
2️⃣ Cuts 20 minutes of nonsense
3️⃣ Makes you look like the adult in the room
This single sentence can save lives. And budgets.
4. Seconds 75–90: Suggest the Exit Strategy
Now, strike:
“It sounds like we’re aligned. Should we summarize next steps and wrap up?”
This is meeting sorcery.
You become the hero.
Everyone silently thanks you.
If someone tries to continue the discussion — congratulate them internally for their bravery, then repeat the technique.
Persistence = freedom.
Bonus: When All Else Fails… Bring Coffee
Meetings run on caffeine and chaos.
If things go off the rails, pull out a coffee cup like a shield.
People respect that.
They know you’ve seen things.
The 90-Second Meeting Survival Formula
- Observe
- Pretend to Listen
- Ask the Reset Question
- Trigger the Exit
Use it responsibly.
Use it weekly.
Use it especially during the 9 AM meeting that could have been a two-line message.