To convey the image of an intelligent person, you will already have to be aware of how you present yourself. Develop a confident demeanor, good grammar, good speech, and people will take you seriously. You can then start to share your ideas.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: have a smart conversation
Step 1. Practice speaking fluently and clearly
Pronounce each word so that people can easily understand you. Speak at a steady pace and make each sound distinctly and clearly.
- Tongue twisters are a good way to improve your speech. Try to repeat "are the Archduchess' socks dry and archisick", as clearly as possible.
- Try to eat peanut butter before speaking ordinary sentences. The inside of your mouth will be sticky, forcing you to focus on your pronunciation.
Step 2. Stop using unnecessary words and sounds
Even presidents and public figures sometimes dot their speeches with uh, ah, you see, bah. You try to do without it. These words slow down the conversation and make you come across as a hesitant and uncertain person. Get in the habit of thinking about the entire sentence before you open your mouth, then recite it at a steady pace, without pausing, and without using "filler" sounds.
Prepare a pot that you will put a coin in each time you use one of these words. Your family members will then be able to purchase your services with this money. For example, they can exchange € 5 for the preparation of dinner
Step 3. Use specific words
There's no point in using grandiose words that no one has ever heard. Instead, think about vague words you use often and replace them with more specific and precise terms. Here are some examples.
- Instead of using the words "awesome", "too good", "cool", describe the situation more precisely. Talk about a “relaxing day”, an “exciting vacation” or a “hardworking and nice person”.
- Instead of using the words "bad", "horrible", "not terrible", prefer the terms "exhausting", "depressing" or "revolting".
- Don't just say "I love this movie!" Or "I don't like this weather". Express a true opinion: “The jokes and action scenes are perfectly placed. I was on alert throughout the film”.
Step 4. Express your opinions as well as the facts
Obviously, knowing a topic will help you have an intelligent conversation, but don't go so far as to memorize articles. When you learn a new fact, ask yourself these questions so that you can build your opinion instead of repeating a ready-made idea.
- How is this fact relevant? Should people change their behaviors or opinions after learning about it? For example, will the testimony of a new witness affect public opinion about an event?
- Is this fact proven and does it come from an impartial source? Will it lead you to a new conclusion? For example, why are GMOs considered dangerous for health? Is this proven? Who supports this thesis?
- Are there any questions relating to this subject that deserve a more in-depth answer?
Step 5. Listen and ask questions
Don't try to dominate the conversation or show off your wits. Be curious and interested in all kinds of topics, letting others talk and asking the right questions. This will show that you are listening and thinking.
Ask honest, specific questions and don't just say "why?" ", " How? 'Or' What ? ". Try for example, "I don't know much about soldering. What was the last piece you worked on? "
Step 6. Don't try to pretend you know something you don't know
Some people try to convey an image of self-confidence and make up facts and opinions in the moment, even if they have never heard of the subject before. This is a risky technique, as the people taking part in the conversation will often respond with irritation rather than admiration. Asking questions and learning from other people's knowledge will allow you to contribute much more to the conversation.
- If someone asks you a question you don't know the answer to, just say "I don't know, but I can find out and get back to you." "
- If no one in the conversation knows the topic, you might venture to make some educated guesses, but be honest. Say, for example, "I haven't been keeping up with the news on this topic, but I wouldn't be surprised if the presidential candidate forgets his promises after being elected." "
Step 7. Tailor your humor to the audience
When speaking with strangers, stick to light, harmless jokes or avoid humor altogether. When talking with friends, try to find out what kind of humor they enjoy. Some people enjoy puns, while others find them annoying.
Step 8. Have impeccable grammar
It is not always necessary to speak like a book, especially when you are among people who use slang and other popular talk. You will still need to know the grammar rules, in order to make a good impression in your professional interviews, public presentations and other situations where you will be expected to express yourself correctly. In particular, take care to:
- use the correct pronouns
- do not use informal formulas in writing
- do not make common grammar mistakes
Part 2 of 3: Resend Insurance
Step 1. Adopt a confident posture
To be taken seriously, assertiveness is just as important as intelligence. Keep your head up and stand straight with your shoulders back. Make eye contact with the other person and introduce yourself head-on when speaking to a group.
Step 2. Avoid sabotaging your own speech
Many people who lack self-confidence or are afraid to speak in public sabotage themselves by adding "I don't know", "I guess", "I think" or "maybe" at the end of each of their calls. sentences. Eliminate these formulas from your speech and you and your audience will have more confidence in what you are saying right away.
Step 3. Use active sentences
Active sentences return more confidence than sentences constructed in passive mode, especially when speaking in the first person. For example, instead of saying "the email will be sent tonight", say "I will send the email tonight".
Step 4. Have pleasant body language
Smile when listening or talking to someone, when appropriate. Occasionally wave, shrug, or nod your head to show that you're focused on the conversation.
Try not to play with your fingers, not to swing, not to strum. If you can't shake these habits completely, adopt a less conspicuous tic, such as wiggling your toes in your shoes
Step 5. Dress well
People will often judge you by how you look, even before you start talking. Wear presentable clothes and take care of yourself, especially when preparing for an important event.
Glasses are often associated with intelligence. So prefer glasses to lenses, if you are looking to appear smarter. Note that wearing glasses without correction could backfire on you if you wear them around people who know you don't need them
Part 3 of 3: Cultivate Yourself
Step 1. Follow the news
Keep up to date with current events as these are very common topics of conversation. In order to get a more precise and nuanced idea, read different sources.
If you're looking to impress people you don't know in order to connect with them, don't limit yourself to topics that you find interesting. Reading a political, sporting, scientific or cultural article every day will not take you much time
Step 2. Read a wide variety of books
While movies and other media are useful resources, books are great for building vocabulary, spelling, grammar, and critical thinking. Read books on different topics that interest you. Take a break when you come up with an interesting idea and think about it to determine your own opinion on it.
Step 3. Improve your vocabulary
As you read, write down words you don't know and then look them up in the dictionary. You could also sign up for a “one word per day” service. For example, look for an application set up by a large dictionary.
Step 4. Focus on a passion
It is much easier to cultivate yourself on a subject when you are passionate about it. This subject does not necessarily have to be academic. Just pick something you like to do in your spare time and learn as much as you can about it.
