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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings summary
Sarah Cooper
Brief summary
100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings by Sarah Cooper is a humorous guide that offers witty and practical tips on how to impress your colleagues and boss in meetings, even if you have no clue what's going on.
Topics
Table of Contents
100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings
Summary of key ideas
Mastering the Art of Office Politics
In 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings by Sarah Cooper, we are introduced to a humorous yet insightful guide on how to navigate the complex world of office politics. Cooper, a former Google employee, uses her experiences to provide a satirical take on the various tactics people use to appear intelligent and competent in meetings.
Cooper begins by highlighting the importance of appearing smart in meetings, emphasizing that it's not about being smart, but about looking smart. She introduces the concept of 'nodding' - a simple yet effective trick to appear engaged and knowledgeable. According to Cooper, nodding at the right moments can make you seem like you're following the conversation, even if you have no idea what's being discussed.
The Power of Buzzwords and Jargon
Next, Cooper delves into the power of buzzwords and jargon. She explains how using complex industry-specific terms can create the illusion of expertise, even if you don't fully understand their meanings. She provides a list of such words and phrases, encouraging readers to sprinkle them into their conversations for maximum effect.
Cooper then moves on to the art of asking questions. She advises against asking genuine questions, as they might reveal your lack of knowledge. Instead, she suggests using rhetorical questions to make it seem like you're contributing to the discussion without actually saying anything substantial.
Mastering the Art of Presentation
When it comes to presentations, Cooper offers a range of tricks to make it seem like you've put in a lot of effort. She suggests using vague charts and graphs, adding unnecessary details, and ending with a call to action, regardless of the topic. According to Cooper, these tactics can make your presentation seem more professional and convincing.
Cooper also addresses the issue of interruptions in meetings. She advises readers to interrupt others strategically, using phrases like 'I just want to piggyback on that' or 'I have a hard stop at' to assert dominance and control the conversation.
Surviving the Meeting Culture
In the latter part of the book, Cooper provides tips on how to survive different types of meetings, such as brainstorming sessions, one-on-one meetings, and impromptu meetings. She emphasizes the importance of maintaining a confident demeanor, even if you have no idea what's going on.
Cooper concludes by reminding readers that the goal is not to be smart, but to appear smart. She encourages them to embrace the absurdity of office culture and use her tricks with a sense of humor. In doing so, she highlights the often ridiculous nature of corporate environments and the lengths people go to in order to fit in.
Final Thoughts
In 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings, Sarah Cooper provides a witty and entertaining take on the world of corporate meetings and office politics. While her advice is intentionally absurd, it serves as a humorous critique of the performative nature of professional environments. By the end of the book, readers are left with a newfound appreciation for the art of appearing smart, even if they don't plan on implementing Cooper's tricks in their own workplace.
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What is 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings about?
100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings by Sarah Cooper is a humorous guide that offers tongue-in-cheek tips on how to navigate corporate meetings with ease. From using buzzwords to nodding at appropriate times, Cooper provides a satirical take on the corporate world and offers a good laugh for anyone who has ever felt out of place in a meeting.
100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings Review
100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings (2016) brings witty advice on navigating the corporate world with finesse. Here are a few reasons why this book is worth reading:
- Packed with hilarious anecdotes and relatable experiences, the book offers practical tips for appearing intelligent and confident in meetings.
- Its humorous and satirical tone keeps readers entertained while delivering valuable insights into office dynamics and communication strategies.
- The author's observational humor and clever illustrations make this book an enjoyable and insightful read, ensuring that it is definitely not boring.
Who should read 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings?
- Individuals who want to navigate corporate meetings with humor and wit
- Professionals looking to enhance their communication and presentation skills
- People who enjoy satire and want to laugh at the absurdities of office culture
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100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings FAQs
What is the main message of 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings?
The main message of 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings is how to navigate meetings and create the appearance of intelligence and competence.
How long does it take to read 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings?
The reading time for 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings varies, but it can be completed in a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings a good book? Is it worth reading?
100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings is worth reading if you want to enhance your meeting skills. It offers practical tips and insights.
Who is the author of 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings?
The author of 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings is Sarah Cooper.
What to read after 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings?
If you're wondering what to read next after 100 Tricks to Appear Smart in Meetings, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell
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- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
- The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
- Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
- Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker
- The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
- Business Adventures by John Brooks
- The Most Important Thing by Howard Marks
- More Money Than God by Sebastian Mallaby