I’m sure all of you can think of at least one person you know who is always trying to come across as smart and usually failing. They end up appearing arrogant, pushy or even stupid sometimes. This great article “6 ways to appear smarter” over at Productivity501 lists some great ways to seem smarter. Share it with somebody or use the tips yourself to give yourself a boost.

1. Ask More Questions - Rather than telling people what you know, ask (intelligent) questions. This will make you look teachable (a valuable quality in intelligent people).
2. Be the Last to Speak - Letting others talk first allows you to refine your thoughts, even summarizing the previous discussion.
3. Cite your Sources - This will make you seem a lot more credible, instead of making people think that you are making things up or talking out your ass.
4. Enjoy the Arts - In this pop culture dominated world, diverse cultural interests can make you seem smart (so long as you are not flaunting it).
5. Take a Contrary View - Rather than just going with the flow, having independent thoughts can make you look very intelligent as someone who actually thought the issue through.
6. Carry “Smart” Reading Material - This one is all about managing perceptions, though obviously you should be reading smart stuff. But people will think you are smart if they see you reading smart.

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