It is not uncommon for some people to get an instant advantage over others. Especially, when it comes to some of the more common workplace settings like meetings that people attend on a regular basis. In fact, some people are good at what they do, while others learn some tricks to their trade. Whatever the case or situation, here are a few tricks that can help you to look like you are one of the smartest attendees at your next meetings.
1. Chime Right in: Expound on turning Metrics to Fractions
If you want to look like an expert that is very interested in what the speaker is saying, you can use this quick tip. Specifically, when the speaker is referring to the percentages to explain what they are presenting, you can chime right in by simply restating the obvious with conviction. For example, so what you are saying is, next month’s growth in numbers will be about 50% instead of 1 in 4.
2. Utilize the Meeting Agenda to Keep on Track
If you want to look like a full-blown instructor when you have little to no experience, it is not difficult to do. Specifically, when you can use the meeting agenda format to make your meeting points aligned. This little tool is easy to organize, and all kind of points can be covered in it to expound on what you are saying.
3. Ask Everyone in the Room to “take a step Back”
If you want to look smart in front of your new boss and your peers too. This little trick is great for taking control of lots of opinions being given. All you have to do is, encourage everyone in attendance to take a step back to recap the real problem that needs to be solved so that you can move the group forward.
4. Repetition is an Excellent Key to Appearing Brilliant
Looking smart can be simple to do if you know the art of this little trick in a meeting setting. In this case, all you are required to do is simply repeat or restate what the previous person has just said in a very slow and distinct manner.
5. Look Like You are More Interested — Even when the topic Gets Boring
To look like you are really engrossed in what the speaker is saying, you can pretend to take notes, while also taking time out to nod at different points. This trick is not only effective but will also give your presenter the encouragement that they need to do a good job from the start to the finish.
6. Stand Up and Pace the Room
Some people are much bolder than others. Having said that, this little trick will take some guts to pull off, even if you are the best of the best. However, if you are the one that can make it happen, here is the scenario that you will need to set-up. Somewhere, in the middle of the meeting, you will need to stand up and then pace the room, as if you have a bright idea that you need to finish contemplating. With a sigh from time to time, this will not only provoke a feeling of superiority in the room but also a feeling that will make them want to look out for brilliance.
7. Pose the Questions Like, Will this scale?
No matter what is going on at the time, there are some questions that can leave everyone in the room with the impression that you are not only familiar with the topic but also well versed and experienced too. Also, even though no one will really know what this question actually means, it will give you a chance to look heads above the group.
8. Step Out the Room to Take a Phone Call
Stepping out the room may be a huge no no for some, but for others, this can be a competitive advantage over your peers. Especially, when the meeting is extremely imperative to attend, and you still appear to have something in the fire that is of higher priority instead.
9. Ask the Presenter to go Back to the Previous Slide
Paying close attention to details is a great way to look like you are much smarter than what you really are. So, you must find ways to make it look like you do not want to miss anything that the presenter is covering at that time. A great way to set-up this impression is to ask the presenter to back to the previous slide.
With this scenario, you do not have to add to the conversation or point out anything specific. However, you should be ready to ask them to cover a specific point again. Once you have made this statement, all you have to do is sit back and look smart.
10. Make Fun Yourself
When you find yourself in a bind because your mind has just drifted off doing an important presentation, there are some smart things that you can do to cover your tracks. One of the most beneficial is learning how to make fun of yourself instead of being intimidated by the fact that your mind is simply not there. In fact, you can make a self-depreciating comment about your self like, “ Oh my, how embarrassing, if I could only find a small hole in the floor to climb in.” The funny gesture will turn the situation around and make it much easier for the presenter to go to the next person in the room.