Four. Rehearsing

Going over the conversation before it happens. Planning what you will say if they say that. Running the meeting in advance so nothing catches you out.

It feels like preparation and it is not, because you are rehearsing a version of the event that will not happen. What it does reliably is keep the alarm warm for hours before anything begins.

The tell is whether it ever ends in a decision. Preparation ends. Rehearsal loops.