Seemed smarter: 10 Tips

We all want to impress work colleagues and casual acquaintances, but rarely find the time to deepen their knowledge and to achieve the desired effect. Fortunately, you can sound smart without too much effort, you only need to know a few secrets inveterate wiseacre.

10. Thoroughly examine the topic for discussion

As a rule, in the discussion of current "hot" topics people are involved, they do not quite understand. Take, for example, global warming - the majority of people, to discuss this topic, willingly teach you how to change your life, to stop global warming, but hardly anyone can explain what "anthropogenic global warming". Spend a little time to learn the opinion of these experts on popular topics, and make your own conclusions. Believe me, it will give you an advantage in any conversation. Also, it is useful to remember a couple of well-known names that, in the case of screw them in conversation.

9. Increase your vocabulary

The easiest way to increase vocabulary - regularly read the Dictionary, or to subscribe to the newsletter linguistic. The main thing - remember not only the meaning of the word, but also his writing, as well as the context in which the word is most often used.

8. Learn the little-known theme

If you become an expert in at least one, but a very specific and rare area, it is unlikely that you will ever meet a man who will be able to compete with you and prove that you are an absolute ignoramus .  This means that you can spend hours vaguely talk about flexion in some dead language, or the problems of breeding ichthyosaurs, without worrying that others will point you to the mistakes and inaccuracies .  No one would guess that you just bluffing, everything will be amazed at your phenomenal knowledge, and you will surely pass for clever and will win universal respect - as you know, people tend to respect what they do not understand .  You may also be interested in the dynasty of Egyptian pharaohs, or the writings of the early Christian theologians .  Do not doubt that even the most ardent religious fanatics hardly heard of most of the "fathers of the Church", not to mention their works .  Start with St. Ignatius of Antioch, and then mention Athenagoras, Irenaeus, Origen of Alexandria, Novatian and Polycarp .

7. Expand your horizons

Perhaps the easiest way to perform the council. Buy the game Trivial Pursuit («Happy event") and every evening memorize one card. After a couple of months to'll know so much that can easily win the argument of your buddies, which are relaxing weekend. Also, some use is regular reading notes from the series "This Day in History", which can be found on the Internet. Another source of universal knowledge - Wikipedia, where you will find information on any topic.

6. Ask questions

The secret of this trick is to ask only those questions, the answers to which are known to you. But you do not have to show that you know the answer. Hearing the answer to your question, ask another one from the same region, to create the impression that you have listened carefully to the interlocutor, have learned and want to clarify something. Another tip: if the discussion discover that your partner is aware of the subject of the dispute as well as you, feel free to ask questions, to which he can not answer. The intelligent question, the more stupid would look like your opponent. This trick is especially effective if a dispute followed a large number of people - you bring them in delight. Just do not gloat too obvious when your partner does not find you answer.

5. Learn as much as you can about the classical and popular literature

It is clear that we all learned a little, something and somehow. And literature lessons in the school passed. But today, to read Dostoevsky, Cervantes Thackeray and you have absolutely no time. What to do? Read more annotations and reviews. You do not need to know the vicissitudes of the plot and details of appearance of the characters, but only the most basic - enough to make it seem as if you've read the book. On average, the classic novel like "Don Quixote," you have to spend about half an hour. And who knows - perhaps you are so interested to read that you decide to make your own opinion about the great novel.

4. See a good movie

Viewing movies - employment is very pleasant and informative .  Of course, if we are talking about the films of Hitchcock and Tarkovsky, not slasher or a new American comedy with toilet humor .  Optional acquainted with an anthology of creative directors "new wave" or playing a silent, black-and-white or Asian cinema that you can not stand .  Even if we forget about the movies, you do not like or bores in world cinema masterpieces will be enough to keep you busy for a few years .  Yes, occasionally you can see the same or the latest slasher comedy with Rob Schneider - so as to understand what is "good" and what is "bad" .  If you can name a couple of good movies, you can take over the boring, who knows about the movie only by hearsay .  But if you can call and blatantly horrible movies, and prove your point of view, you will see in the surrounding intelligent man and good company .

3. Learn some interesting quotes

One great writer and wit once said: "Our thoughts are - it's other people's opinions, our lives - mimicry, our passions - a quote." It says much, but if you want to look smarter, you will hardly be guided by it. The ability to place to quote a few lines from a poem, or a play known simply recall a witty remark literary character will win you the love and respect of others, especially women. On the Internet, millions of websites on which you can find a quote for every occasion and event in your life. Memorize one quote every day. And read more poetry, not necessarily classical. Yes, but this quote belongs to Oscar Wilde.

2. Use only the words, the meaning of which you are aware

Nothing puts a person in a bad light, as the inability to coherently express their thoughts. If you do not know, say something! Speak only about what you do know, and only those words whose meaning you know. One mistake - and the reputation of an intelligent man, you have built with so much effort, will be threatened. In addition, learning new words will help to expand your horizons and improve communication skills. Remember the cardinal rule: do not believe in the word 100% - do not use it. If you can not find the right words, explain your idea in one sentence or phrase.

1. Shut

The operating principle of this focus is simple: the less you say, the less you say stupid things. As one well-known character: "Be quiet, maybe a clever thou shalt." Yes, do not forget to smile and nod knowingly.