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Pachacuti profile picture

Pachacuti

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

Politicker
Executive
Acclaimed Answer
+9

Input needed: How to stay awake during boring presentations?!

I'm sitting at a conference most of this week. While I enjoy my industry, it's also "kill yourself boring" at times. 

So what are your favorite ways to keep your eyes open when all you want to do is curl up on the conference floor and take a 💤? 

Limitations:
* I have to appear like I'm paying attention cause all the "big bosses" are here. 
* I don't do coffee or sodas (limited caffeine intake) 

ideas to stay awake?
🏫 Conferences
😃 Fun
10

20 comments

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Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
5
Sales Rep
I am a 4 espresso's a day type of guy, so I haven't tried these but I would assume if you do these it might help.

1. Drink lots of ice water, can help you stay up and hydrated to keep you focused.
2. Take notes to keep you mind working compared to day dreaming.
3. Eat an apple before the call, lots of sugar in those so it can wake you up more than a single coffee.
4. Also asks yourself are you getting enough sleep, maybe put down the phone before bed so you will be less tired the next day
Pachacuti
Politicker
3
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Yah sleep is an issue. All day flight yesterday, big time zone changes, etc. it’s rough.
Ice water is good. But then I’m running to the bathroom for the last half of the day every 30min.
punishedlad
Tycoon
3
Business Development Team Lead
Is there standing room in the back/sides of the room?

I'd try to position myself to where getting up won't be an interruption, go grab an ice water per @Kosta_Konfuciusand stand for a bit while still paying attention.

Getting upright usually works well for me. (I'm also limited on caffeine intake, doesn't treat me very well)
Pachacuti
Politicker
0
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Standing is often my go to, but not always feasible.
Filth
Politicker
3
Live Filthy or Die Clean
Notepad and make it look like your are writing - either plan your day/week or doodle the presenter being burned at the stake or tea-bagged by dinosaurs...use your imagination and have fun!
CPTAmerica
Opinionated
3
President/CRO
Limit alcohol the night before (I know I know, that's the fun part). Get up early and do something active; hotel gym, run, walk, yoga.
detectivegibbles
Politicker
2
Sales Director
Cocaine.
antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
1
Bravado's Resident Asshole
well.. it's not coffee but..
detectivegibbles
Politicker
0
Sales Director
Too aggressive for a Monday?
antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
0
Bravado's Resident Asshole
Depends on when you think your week starts. Perspective matters.
Pachacuti
Politicker
0
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Obviously.
WheelofCheese
Opinionated
2
Sales Executive
Keep some strong mints at the ready (without noisy wrappers) and a bottle of water to keep your hands busy. In these situations, I also force myself to take notes simply to be moving a little. You can also stand in the back of the room to keep yourself awake. Sometimes sitting makes it worse. I've been to many meetings where some participants choose to stand in the back of the room-- and in my experience, it has been entirely acceptable.
poweredbycaffeine
WR Lieutenant
2
☕️
Big tip here...and watch out: get adequate sleep and hydrate (with water).
Gasty
Notable Contributor
2
War Room Community Manager
qq: you want to keep your eyes open, and pay attention too? or just appear attentive?
maverickmission
Opinionated
2
SDR @ HCM company
Pretend you are presenting on the same or similar topic and write up a training deck. Maybe you use it, maybe you just look like you’re taking good notes 😎
GOLFaaS
Politicker
2
Sales Leader
Sleep. At night. This is the time when after work you see (in most areas) the sun go down. If that doesn’t work, maybe you need to chat with your doctor
Pachacuti
Politicker
1
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Sleep is great in concept but when you travel west to east it can be hard to get.
GOLFaaS
Politicker
1
Sales Leader
That is not suggested lol by any doctors. Sorry to make jokes as I know for a fact jet lag is very real and very shitty.
FinanceEngineer
Politicker
1
Sr Director, sales and partnerships
Coffee, lots of coffee. I once fell asleep in a meeting. Coffee is always the answer.
Pachacuti
Politicker
0
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Sadly I don’t do coffee. My usual drink of choice is Yerba Mate. But no access to it here.

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