Don't freight your answers with any notions of what you're "supposed" to do, and just see where your feelings point you. It can feel weird to be so formal about it, but if you're not used to doing it, then there's no shame in retraining yourself.

You don't want someone who can't tell the difference between having a different opinion and dismissing your opinion.

I'm not a big fan of the white lie.

First group impressions can mask a lot of individual variations in the members.

It's probably good for your body and brain to get moving occasionally.

Moving is hard. Staying is easy. Logistically speaking, at least. And this is true whether you're doing or undoing something.

One helpful thing to keep in mind as a retort-stopper is that you won't "win," you won't change anyone's mind, you won't change any votes, you won't make the atmosphere in the room any better, YOU won't feel any better.