How to Look Smarter Than You Are

Talkative people and the decline of America

Examples of talkative-dominant people:

Bernard Madoff

Executives at Enron, Tyco, AIG, Wall Street Banks

Every corrupt and incompetent politician in Washington

This personalit type brought the ruin of the Roman Empire. They're doing the same to America.

Paul of DC @ Sep 11, 2009 12:43:27 PM

What Research?

Can anyone provide more info on the research that suggests this is valid please? I am always wary of anything that says "Research shows that..." and doesn't cite a source.

Personally this sounds right, and I practice what is mentioned in the article but it's not just about talking more but listening more too, let the others have their say as well then you'll have more to say...

Perhaps a 21st Century take on the "wise old owl" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Wise_Old_Owl

A wise old owl lived in an oak

The more he saw the less he spoke

The less he spoke the more he heard.

Why can't we all be like that wise old bird?

Anyway, without a source this is just someone's opinion which happens to support my own. It would be nice to have something more tangible.

AdaptiveDervish @ Sep 11, 2009 06:56:30 AM

Be careful

This is remarkably ignorant of the politics of some boards, committees and other gatherings where speaking is considered a threat to power or dominance. There's some truth here, but tread carefully.

Sam of VT @ Sep 10, 2009 16:34:16 PM

"Appear as smart as you really are"

This is simple career self-management tip #1.

I've been in too many situations where my quiet demeanor made me either a subordinate or a pariah. It's not about being a quality person, per se, it's about showing everyone who you are and what you are capable of. You are not going to get the credit unless you give it to yourself by speaking up.

I started speaking up, and all of a sudden, I'm a leader, I'm brilliant, and I'm not being ignored anymore. I'm not rambling on, I'm just waving my own flag. This is not an altruistic society, no one else is going to wave your flag for you, no matter how excellent you are at quietly doing your job.

It's not a value-judgment, it is a truth that I work within that perception does trump reality. If you can walk into the situation with that understanding, you have a leg up on all the quiet people in the room. You are perceived as a more intelligent and active thinker when you talk, and know your subject. When you don't talk, what else am I supposed to assume besides that you have nothing to contribute? I don't have time to get to know each one of you to find out what you do or don't know. You have to let me know.

Andrew Short of IN @ Sep 10, 2009 11:30:16 AM

Bad advice

I can't say I agree with this at all. We all know the people talk just to talk and usually they come out the worse for it. Like the old saying goes:

"Its better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you are stupid, rather than open it and prove to them that you are."

listenmore of MN @ Sep 10, 2009 10:51:32 AM

I agree

Sad but true. And as much as you want to disagree; Style Trumps Substance every time. Perception trumps reality.

Yes there a minority who see though and zoom in on the substance, but the majority, even if they say other wise, are moved by Style over substance.

So yes I agree with the article.

Esteban of CA @ Sep 10, 2009 10:45:27 AM

Appear smarter than you are?!?!

I does someone need to appear smarter than they are? That usually means that someone who tries to "appear smarter than they are" aren't really that smart to begin with.

Ficcionista @ Sep 10, 2009 10:22:52 AM

Research?

when you claim that "research says" something you should probably specify what research you're referencing.

Skeptic of NJ @ May 10, 2009 21:29:35 PM