Do you keep falling asleep in meetings and seminars? What about those long

and boring conference calls? Here's a way to change all of that.

A) Before (or during) your next meeting, seminar, or conference call,

prepare yourself by drawing a square. (I find that 5" x 5" is a good

size.)

B) Divide the square into columns - five across and five down. That

will give you 25 one-inch blocks.

C) Write one of the following words and phrases in each block:

*1 synergy

* 2 strategic fit

* 3 core competencies

* 4 best practice

* 5 bottom line

* 6 revisit

* 7 expeditious

* 8 to tell you the truth (or "the truth is")

* 9 24/7

* 10 out of the loop

* 11 benchmark

* 12 value-added

* 13 pro-active

* 14 win-win

* 15 think outside the box

* 16 fast track

* 17 result-driven

* 18 empower (or empowerment)

* 19 knowledge based

* 20 at the end of the day

* 21 touch base

* 22 mind-set

* 23 client focused

* 24 paradigm

* 25 game plan

D) Check off the appropriate block when you hear one of those words

or phrases.

E) When you get five blocks horizontally, vertically or diagonally,

stand up and shout, "BULLSHIT!"