閱讀暖身
你有沒有發現，總有一些合作夥伴、客戶、同事在開會的時候表現得特別傑出？他們的表情儀態、遣詞用字、專業度會讓會議的主軸都繞著他轉，他們的提議總是被採納。甚至他們講的笑話都會變成會議焦點。你知道嗎？在會議中表現得「超聰明」其實是可以訓練的。進入文章前，先來想想這幾個字怎麼說:
a) 一說到
b) 損害
c) 躁動
a) When it comes to meetings, all of us could appear a little smarter. The smarter you sound or look, in your words and appearance, the more likely you are to be heard, respected, and valued. Here are useful strategies you can apply and come out looking a little smarter in your next meeting.
每個人都可以開會的時候，多讓人看出你的聰明。你的語氣、外表、言語和儀容表現出更多的聰明，你越有可能被注意，尊重和重視。請掌握以下幾點策略，讓你在下次的會議上表現更聰明：
Come Prepared
It seems like an obvious recommendation, but you'd be shocked that many people show up without knowing the purpose of meetings and 1) look down at heel. The truth is you don't have to sketch the entire presentation, but you need to respect the host and participants and come prepared with possible talking points, suggestions, or statistics related to the topic. If one of your pre-researched facts enters into the conversation, you'll get an extra point.
準備充足
這聽起來無奇，但多數人常搞不清楚開會目的，就隨性地穿著出席。即使已身經百戰，無需草擬整場會議內容，但還是要尊重主持者和參加會議的人。事前做好準備可能提到與主題相關的重點、建議或是數據分析。如果你事前準備的研究項目能進入到討論範圍，你就加分了。
Sit Still and Lean Forward
Sitting still seems like an insignificant action, but compared to the alternative, it makes you appear way smarter and solid. Employees now break out their smart phones or tablets in meetings, possibly attempting to multitask but more often looking for a break from the subject of the meeting. Doing so can b) impair your professionalism.
身體坐直、往前傾
靜靜地坐著乍看之下沒什麼，但相對來說，它給人一種更聰明和堅定的感覺。員工在會議中打開使用手機或平板電腦，或許試圖展現可同時進行多項任務的能力，但更多的是希望從會議中抽離。這樣做會損害到你的專業。
Similarly, using a comfy chair to spin around, bounce, or rock back and forth will make you look like a restless toddler. Another body language tip, leaning forward throughout the majority of the meeting will show that you're paying close attention to speakers. Keep your back straight and hands folded, or at least on the table, will add to your "interested" positioning and help keep you from any nervous c) jiggling movements.
同樣地，使用舒適的椅子旋轉，反彈，或來回晃動會讓你看起來像個不安分的孩子。另一項身體語言技巧建議：會議中，身體儘量往前傾會傳達你正在密切關注說話者。保持背部挺直，雙手交疊，或至少放在桌面。這些姿勢有助於傳達你維持興趣的姿態，並有助於從任何緊張躁動的動作中脫離。
Speak Up, Take Notes, and Ask Right Questions
Ｍany people show up to meetings and just sit there and listen, this isn't necessarily bad, but it won't make you appear smart. In fact, you should take the chance to show that you're a proactive participant, and that you’re original and creative. Furthermore, taking notes, even brief ones, will show your commitment to the topic. It not only demonstrates that you are willing to spend additional time and make extra effort in the meeting but you're also indicating that you'll be reviewing the content later. Don’t overlook these notes because one day they may inspire you.
發言、筆記、提正確問題
許多人出現在會議上，只是坐在那裡，聽著，這不一定是壞事，但它不會讓你看起來比較聰明。你應該抓住這機會，證明你是積極的參與者，具原創力和創意。此外，做筆記，即使簡短的，會顯示你對話題的參與度。它不僅表明你願意花更多的時間和努力在會議上，你之後也可將這些內容做個總回顧。別小看做筆記的小動作，這些筆記將來有一天可能會啟發你。
Finally, be sure to ask good questions of the other people in the room, you can ask for more details and for elaboration on points you feel were 2) glossed over. This will give you "participatory credit". In brief, looking and sounding smarter doesn't take much effort or much practice. The more respect and attention you command, the more your ideas will be heard, and the better chance you'll have at advancing your career--no matter what your long-term goals are.
會議結束前，可以大方提問，要求對方補充說明不足之處。這樣做會增加你的“參與度”。看似聰明並不需要很多的努力和大量的練習。要留下好印象其實一點都不難。同仁對你的發言有越多的尊重和重視，你的想法會越多被聽到。更大的機會，你的職業生涯會提升 - 不管你的長程目標是什麼。用心處理每件事，一定會在職場發光發熱。
口語詞彙
1. Look down at heel
Heel 是腳後跟的意思。往下看腳後跟，表示事情處於不好的狀態。或指穿著隨便；破舊不堪的意思。
When she first met Sean, he had a down at heel appearance. 當她剛認識西恩時，他看起來穿著破舊。
2. gloss over 掩飾, 掩蓋
gloss 是註解的意思，gloss over 延伸為掩蓋的意思。
It is not bright to use lies to gloss over the truth. 用謊言掩蓋事實是不明智的。 | 
