Being smart, although related to the ability of the brain, is not the same as being intelligent. Intelligence is often judged by your demeanor, how quickly you analyze and move in certain situations, and how clever or creative your ideas are. The Greek hero, Odysseus, was considered intelligent (he told the cyclops that his name was "Nobody", so they didn't know who blinded them). You may not beat the creatures of legend, but intelligence is something you can train and learn.
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Method 1 of 3: Looking Good in a Circumstance
Step 1. Speak last
If you wait while chatting and listen to the other participant before speaking, you'll appear smarter, because you'll have more time to hear opinions from different sides and think through the options before giving your opinion.
- For example, when you're talking to siblings, aunties and sisters about how to cook turkey, wait for them to finish while listening, and think about the effectiveness of each person's argument. Then, present your cooking ideas after the argument cools down. Make sure your argument is different from the arguments of the three people; if you agree with one of the arguments (such as the aunt's argument), offer an argument that is more compelling than hers, or provide reasons for your choice that no one else is aware of.
- Talking last also prevents you from looking stupid when you say whatever's on your mind.
- Often people who speak last don't just state the obvious, or repeat facts. They usually say things that are more creative or original, and their words are more likely to be remembered by people.
Step 2. Know some light facts that you can include in your argument to support any claim you are making
Chances are, you won't be able to find the facts for every argument, so choose the facts that are most important to you.
- For example, if you really care about global climate change, you might want to memorize statistics on the difference between temperature and climate, which show what changes have occurred over the past few years (as well as how they relate to things like carbon dioxide). You may also want to show how current climate change differs from natural change without human intervention.
- It's a good idea to look up the facts (actually) about things that most people think are true. Breaking assumptions quickly will make you look smart.
Step 3. Learn the appropriate terms
Each group or workplace has its own special terms, which can take the form of abbreviations, acronyms, or names for certain things. Learning the terms that apply to where you live or where you are will make you look smart.
- For example, in fishing, there are various terms that you should learn when you are a beginner. If you don't know the meaning of "cast" (the back and forth movement when you throw a fishing line) or "lie" (an area in the river where fish nest), you will be considered ignorant, and will not be considered smart.
- If you don't know a term someone is using, pay attention to the context of the term. Usually, you can understand the basic meaning of the term. If not, ask the other person what the term means privately, so the other person doesn't know that you don't understand what they're saying.
Step 4. Be persuasive
Often, cleverness and persuasion are seen as related by many. If you are persuasive, you will be considered smart. Having small facts and talking last can be persuasive, but you can also do other things to be persuasive. Remember, persuasion is getting someone to do something nice for them (as opposed to manipulation) that also benefits you.
- Context and timing are very important if you want to be persuasive. For example, don't try to borrow money from your brother in front of your parents when he just lost his job, because he will think more and need money. Wait until he gets a job or when he gets an extra salary.
- Speak clearly and concisely. The sooner you tell someone what you want, the sooner they will understand your request and the more likely they are to help you. People prefer direct conversation, rather than small talk.
- Avoid using jargon (special terms that are only understood by certain groups). People won't hear you if they don't understand what you're saying, and you won't be considered smart if you can't get your point across. Don't use jargon unless you're talking to someone who understands the jargon.
Step 5. Offer a simple solution
Often, a problem does not require a complex solution. As strange as it may sound, the simplest solutions and the ones that other people don't think of are often the most useful. Humans mostly think of finding the hardest way to do things. If you don't fall into this trap, your intelligence will show.
- Often, a good question to ask when looking for a solution is "What can you reduce?". Usually, this question can filter out less productive options.
- Also ask specific questions for yourself and others. If you want to manage your time better, don't ask "how do I manage my time better?". This question is too big, and you will probably get an answer that is too big too. Better questions might be, "What tools can help us work faster?", or "If we spend 2 hours instead of 4 hours on a project, how can we work faster to keep the result the same?"
Step 6. Be a confident person
Having confidence in yourself and your work will make you look smarter than someone who is really smart but not confident. People have more confidence in themselves, even if you're not very smart. Carry yourself as a confident person, and intelligence will follow.
- Use body language to trick your brain into thinking you're confident, even though you're not. Stand tall. Walk with sure steps, like one who knows his place. Use open body language. Do not place your arms over your chest, or avoid eye contact.
- Think positively or neutrally about yourself. If you think you're stupid or a coward, accept it, and think of the positive things that just happened to you to counter it.
- Don't compare yourself to other people. For example, don't pit your intelligence against other people and then start comparing yours. Cleverness is not a competition, and if you compete for intelligence, you will feel uncomfortable because of your anger, and alienate others from you in your desire to be the best.
Method 2 of 3: Building Ability
Step 1. Don't get hung up on notes
It's great to know a general way of doing things, especially if you can reverse that thinking. By choosing unexpected ways of doing things, you show that you can think independently. Independent thinking is one of the judgments of intelligence according to many people.
- For example, if your professor gives you an essay assignment, ask if you can come up with a creative essay. Demonstrate that your essay can meet, and exceed, established essay standards. (For example, if you are taking a short story class, ask if you can write your own short story based on the lessons you have received, and write a review of your work.)
- Do the unexpected. If you always follow the rules or do things the way you're taught, it doesn't mean you're not smart, but other people may not see you as smart. Don't rely on your ability and rule of thumb to do things.
Step 2. Think differently
This step is related to doing something off the record, because often you have to think differently to be able to do it. To be smart, you have to find a creative solution to a problem.
- Find a new concept on the problem. What creative solutions users effectively do is rethink a problem. To learn this skill, use obvious choices (e.g., write an essay), then think again about how you could write your essay in a different way and engage the reader, but still with the same message, for example by telling the essay orally, making clippings, or painting..
- Imagine. Apparently, the process of imagining is very useful for improving creative problem solving skills. The process of imagining helps you make connections and recall information. That's why your best ideas may come when you shower or before you go to sleep. If you find it difficult to do something, take time to fantasize. Chances are, by resting your brain and letting it think away, you'll find something that works.
- Exchanging ideas is another way to develop creativity, especially in groups. Ask questions and get other people to throw the ideas that come to mind without judging the ideas. Invite them to add new ideas. You can also do it yourself, if you can distance yourself from the judgment in the process.
Step 3. Think of the worst that could happen
Fear is the biggest obstacle to creative thinking, which is an aspect of intelligence. The more creative and useful your solutions and ideas are, the more people will believe in your abilities.
- Ask yourself, what happens if you lose a job/customer? What will happen if you do not pass course X? What happens if a publisher doesn't want to publish your book? The answer to that question may free you from fear, or open your mind to things that need to be worked on, which will then open up other opportunities and ideas.
- When you're thinking about ideas and possible solutions, don't accept criticism until your ideas are mature. Criticism and fear of being criticized can be a killer of your creativity and intelligence. When you're done with your idea and can rate it, it's time to accept suggestions and criticism.
Step 4. Set the parameters
Having problems and opportunities that are unclear and very confusing can make it difficult for you to come up with a "kicking" and creative idea or solution. Even if the things you need to get done don't have parameters, create them for yourself.
- Setting imaginary parameters will expand your idea. For example, if you're taking on a work-related project, think about if you don't have the money to do it. How can you complete the project? If you can't follow the rules, how do you find a different way to get the project done? If your timeframe is very limited to finding a solution (say 5 minutes), how can you find a solution in such a short amount of time?
- For example, Dr. Seuss wrote "Green Eggs with Ham" because of a challenge from his editors to write a book in less than 50 different words. These limitations helped him write his most famous book.
Method 3 of 3: Keep Learning
Step 1. Study other smart people
Don't ever think you've reached the pinnacle of intelligence, because that peak doesn't exist. You have to keep learning, and a good way to do that is to study people who are considered smart, both by you and by others.
- Ask yourself, what makes them considered smart? Are the comments scathing about everything? Can they tell the facts quickly? Do they come up with creative solutions?
- Identify some of the greatest qualities of intelligent people you know or learn about, and emulate them in your life and work.
Step 2. Know the latest world news
People who are considered smart are very aware of the latest things in the world. They pay attention to things that have just happened and can intelligently discuss (or appear intelligent) about the world's latest news and developments.
Try to look for news from multiple perspectives so you don't get news from just one source. For example, instead of only getting news from Fox News, look for other news stations. Look for information, statistics, and facts presented by the news station (internet, television, radio, or newspaper). These different points of view will give you a fairer perspective and help you discuss the news intelligently
Step 3. Learn word games
Words and how they are used can make you look smarter, because words are used a lot in communication. Word games can be puns, cryptograms, or simply using language that activates other sensors that not many people realize.
- Practice explaining things in a different way, and focus on things that other people might overlook. For example, describe fire as silk, or find a way to describe the sound of waves on the beach.
- Include wordplay in your conversation. Try to be aware of the pun on the other person's words, and mention it to that person.
Step 4. Remember the information
One way to make yourself look smart is to practice memorizing facts and information (like the little facts above), so you can remember them easily. Fortunately, there are ways you can learn to make the process easier.
- Pay attention to the information from the start. Make sure you have the correct information. You never actually lose information (unless you get sick or have an accident), so make sure you make sure the information you receive is correct.
- Write down the information several times. Writing down the facts and information you want to remember helps you remember information easily and makes the information "stick" in the brain, like speaking. The more you practice writing, the easier it will be for you to remember information.
- Select the information correctly. Sherlock Holmes once stated that his brain is like a kitchen. Instead of keeping all the information regardless of its veracity, choose facts and information that interest you and can be used.
