Intelligence Matters: How To Appear Smarter Than You Are

Every year people are getting smarter. How do I know this? Because I’m clearly getting smarter, and smart people know a lot of things. The fast-paced society that we live in makes it imperative for us to always stay ahead of the game. It doesn’t matter if you have a University degree or a College diploma, if you don’t appear intelligent in every sense of the word, no one will hire you, and if no one hires you, you will be broke, and if you’re broke you will have no money, and everyone needs money to buy friends and clothes and other stuff. Naturally, intelligence matters. In order to help you, I have listed down a number of tips that will surely make you appear smarter than you probably are. After applying these strategies, people will hopefully have more respect for you.

1) Make sure you have a powerful title.

Having a powerful title is definitely key to appearing more intelligent. Who are you more likely to hire? John Smith, or John Smith PhD? A few titles that you can add to the end or beginning of your name are listed below.

• Dr.
• B.A. [Title of Degree] , Spec. Honours in [A Made Up Specialization]**
• CEO
• Senior Executive
• Associate
• Founder/Co-Founder
• President
• VP
• Sir/Dame (like Dame Judy Dench. She “dame”ands respect…)

2) The way you dress is crucial for creating a strong first impression.

The following a few things to consider wearing in order to increase your perceivable level of knowledge.

     i. Wear glasses. Glasses are a great way to appear smarter. You can easily find glasses with no lenses online or at most costume stores.

    ii. Tuck your shirt in. Whether you are wearing jeans, trousers, a skirt or shorts, always wear a shirt that can be tucked in. It proves that you take yourself seriously for some reason.

    iii. Carry a pen and small notebook. If you have a pen and notebook, not only do you look smart, but it serves as a good escape tool when you are trying to avoid a question you don’t know the answer to. Also, if you don’t understand what people are talking about, you can just use the notebook to doodle in.

3) Furrow your brows.

A lot of really smart people often look as though they are contemplating something very thought provoking. You can perfect this look of contemplation by simply furrowing your brows when someone says something intelligent. Try to appear concerned. You can also achieve this appearance by reciting the alphabet backwards in your head.

4) Respond with more questions.

If someone asks you a question you don’t know the answer to, you can always respond by asking another question or changing the subject. For instance, someone can ask you what your thoughts are on the current political situation in Greece. Simply respond by asking something like: “Can anyone really answer that question in one sentence?” And then chuckle and follow up with a question on a topic you know more about, like colours or the weather. Not only do you appear more philosophically intellectual, but you prove to others that you are also able to focus on the simpler things in life.

5) Always carry a book with you.

People who have books give off an impression of scholarship (scholarship means academic study or achievement).  It also functions as an icebreaker (ie. Someone asks you “What are you reading?”, you can proudly respond by saying, “A book, have you ever read one before?”). Books come in handy in order ways too. You can use them as paperweights, door stoppers, or to fan yourself on a hot day.

If you start off by following these five strategies, you’re definitely on your way to appearing more intelligent, and convincing your professional superiors that you are the right hire for whatever it is they are looking for. Please feel free to comment below with your thoughts, or even your own suggestions on how to appear more intelligent!

**Note: Any educational prefixes can work here such as: M.A., M.B.A., M.D.M., MD., LLB., J.D., etc.