Use a Paper Notebook to Be More Attentive in Meetings
We know you always give 100% attention to every meeting you go to, but how does everyone else know when you have your laptop open or looking at your phone? Sketch it in a paper notebook, however, and you’ll look like the only one paying attention.
Technology has a way to distract people – not just you who greet visitors typing on your laptop, but also the presenters and everyone else around the table. However, with a simple paper notebook, you look like you’re taking notes and are pretty serious about the meeting compared to those who don’t take notes or may not update their Facebook statuses for boring meetings. You can, of course, (and probably should) take notes, but if you need to simulate interest or attention, you can take notes in a notebook.
We’re not saying that Evernote founder Phil Libin ever pretends to pay attention during meetings, but this advice comes from him:
“If you use a notebook, if you like to write on a notebook, when you talk to someone, they will think, ‘Damn, this person really cares about me.’ This completely flips the odometer the other way. You signal deep concern and interest. ” […] “Even if you just paint houses, clouds and unicorns,” Libin said.
Evernote Founder Shares Engagement Secret During Meetings | Business Insider