Have you ever found yourself mingling with a crowd and felt less than adequate? Picture the scene where a group of university intellectual types are all sitting in a pub and suddenly you realise that you have very little to add to the conversation. As the topics in the room gently shift from who's going to win the next general election through to which of Stephen Hawkings books is actually more beneficial, to science, irrespective of which is easier to read, you suddenly find yourself lost for conversation.
These situations do plague us from time to time. Maybe you're in the reverse situation where you're an expert in a given topic of academia but are completely rubbish at joining in on sport related debates. Either way there are a number of simple techniques you can use to ensure you still remain an active part of the conversation without making a bunch of useless comments that only end up making you look worse than before. With this simple guide below you'll never be left out of those highbrow conversations and you'll be able to appear smarter than you are.
Don't feel compelled to speakOften when we're struggling in a particular conversation we begin to panic and think people around us will realize that we aren't adding anything to a conversation. We're so worried about what people may think of us that we begin to panic and then start throwing out random lumps of words in disguise as opinions hoping people won't notice. Of course most of the time these are irrelevant or unfounded opinions which only end up making you look worse. If you don't know, relax and enjoy the flow of conversation.
People are selfishThe truth is that most people are too busy worrying about themselves that we rarely notice others' lack of knowledge, unless of course they speak up and interrupt our conversation with pointless comments. Use this to your advantage. If you want to appear smarter than you are, bide your time and wait until you find the perfect moment to really add to the conversation. People are looking to express their opinions and discuss them. By giving them more of an opportunity to speak you're not only learning more about the subject but also helping them enjoy the conversation.
Don't get involved, leadThere are many companies around the world headed by brilliant men who have very little in depth knowledge about the subject they work with. They simply don't need to know it. What they do is lead those that do know until a simple resolution is met. When it comes to any conversation where you're feeling out of your league you can simply follow the following same principle. Listen to the arguments and take the time to present each person's case to the others. If someone is cutting someone else off remind them to wait their turn. By directing the conversation yet avoiding giving any direct information yourself you will come across as being highly involved but avoid getting egg on your face if you say something really bad.
Appear smarter than you are with the power of the internet...
Ask questionsThe wisest people are often known as being wise because they accept that they don't know everything. Don't be afraid to ask a question on a topic you don't understand. Rather than coming across as poorly informed you will actually come across as being interested in the conversation, will gain a great deal more knowledge and will make the person that gets to help you feel even better about themselves.
Use your earsPay close attention to the topic of conversation. Most discussions revolve around the same few subjects repeated and discussed in different ways. By listening carefully and waiting during the earlier parts of the conversation it is possible to glean enough knowledge to actively take part in the discussions. As long as you aren't adding any erroneous information you should have no problem involving yourself comfortably at least on a few of the more common points.
The internet is your friendIf you're spending time with these people on a regular basis there is a good chance that the topical points of conversation will be raised again in the future. Take the time to do a brief bit of research online. A simple search engine hunt should be more than enough to ensure that you can find enough basic information to be armed to the teeth with views, arguments and counter arguments ready for the next meeting with your friends.
it ain't what you know...The thing many people fail to realize is that most of us are more than accommodating when we realize someone isn't as clued up on a given subject as we are. We're more than happy to share our knowledge if only to discuss the subjects we love even further with those we care about. Appearing smart is not really a measure of what you know but rather your willingness to keep learning and engaging in conversations with others.
As long as you avoid making random comments on topics you really don't know too much about, remember to relax and, more importantly, listen intently to what's going on around you then you really shouldn't have too much of a problem. Then if you really want to take control of the conversation take the leading role, and guide the arguments and discussion asking for people to clarify any unclear points. You'll suddenly find yourself as the head of a table of experts and, like the head of any major corporation, you'll suddenly realize that you're able to look a great deal smarter than you may actually be.
These situations do plague us from time to time. Maybe you're in the reverse situation where you're an expert in a given topic of academia but are completely rubbish at joining in on sport related debates. Either way there are a number of simple techniques you can use to ensure you still remain an active part of the conversation without making a bunch of useless comments that only end up making you look worse than before. With this simple guide below you'll never be left out of those highbrow conversations and you'll be able to appear smarter than you are.
Don't feel compelled to speakOften when we're struggling in a particular conversation we begin to panic and think people around us will realize that we aren't adding anything to a conversation. We're so worried about what people may think of us that we begin to panic and then start throwing out random lumps of words in disguise as opinions hoping people won't notice. Of course most of the time these are irrelevant or unfounded opinions which only end up making you look worse. If you don't know, relax and enjoy the flow of conversation.
People are selfishThe truth is that most people are too busy worrying about themselves that we rarely notice others' lack of knowledge, unless of course they speak up and interrupt our conversation with pointless comments. Use this to your advantage. If you want to appear smarter than you are, bide your time and wait until you find the perfect moment to really add to the conversation. People are looking to express their opinions and discuss them. By giving them more of an opportunity to speak you're not only learning more about the subject but also helping them enjoy the conversation.
Don't get involved, leadThere are many companies around the world headed by brilliant men who have very little in depth knowledge about the subject they work with. They simply don't need to know it. What they do is lead those that do know until a simple resolution is met. When it comes to any conversation where you're feeling out of your league you can simply follow the following same principle. Listen to the arguments and take the time to present each person's case to the others. If someone is cutting someone else off remind them to wait their turn. By directing the conversation yet avoiding giving any direct information yourself you will come across as being highly involved but avoid getting egg on your face if you say something really bad.
Appear smarter than you are with the power of the internet...
Ask questionsThe wisest people are often known as being wise because they accept that they don't know everything. Don't be afraid to ask a question on a topic you don't understand. Rather than coming across as poorly informed you will actually come across as being interested in the conversation, will gain a great deal more knowledge and will make the person that gets to help you feel even better about themselves.
Use your earsPay close attention to the topic of conversation. Most discussions revolve around the same few subjects repeated and discussed in different ways. By listening carefully and waiting during the earlier parts of the conversation it is possible to glean enough knowledge to actively take part in the discussions. As long as you aren't adding any erroneous information you should have no problem involving yourself comfortably at least on a few of the more common points.
The internet is your friendIf you're spending time with these people on a regular basis there is a good chance that the topical points of conversation will be raised again in the future. Take the time to do a brief bit of research online. A simple search engine hunt should be more than enough to ensure that you can find enough basic information to be armed to the teeth with views, arguments and counter arguments ready for the next meeting with your friends.
it ain't what you know...The thing many people fail to realize is that most of us are more than accommodating when we realize someone isn't as clued up on a given subject as we are. We're more than happy to share our knowledge if only to discuss the subjects we love even further with those we care about. Appearing smart is not really a measure of what you know but rather your willingness to keep learning and engaging in conversations with others.
As long as you avoid making random comments on topics you really don't know too much about, remember to relax and, more importantly, listen intently to what's going on around you then you really shouldn't have too much of a problem. Then if you really want to take control of the conversation take the leading role, and guide the arguments and discussion asking for people to clarify any unclear points. You'll suddenly find yourself as the head of a table of experts and, like the head of any major corporation, you'll suddenly realize that you're able to look a great deal smarter than you may actually be.
