I’ve always been of the belief that intelligence isn’t solely about our IQ score or the degrees we have.

Rather, it’s often the subtler signs, our behaviors and attitudes, that truly reflect our intellect.

But here’s a little secret.

Sometimes, we unknowingly indulge in certain habits that don’t necessarily reflect our intelligence in the best light.

Yes, it’s as surprising as it sounds!

So if you’re pondering “How can I come across as highly intelligent?”, you might want to reassess some of your subtle behaviors.

Let’s say goodbye to those habits that might be creating an unintended impression about your intellect.

Because in reality, you’re smarter than these habits suggest.

1) Overusing complex vocabulary

We all love to show off our extensive vocabulary. After all, who doesn’t like sounding smart?

But here’s the catch.

There’s a fine line between using intelligent language and overdoing it. And crossing that line might be doing more harm than good.

Believe it or not, using excessively complex language can make you come across as pretentious rather than intelligent.

So, what’s the solution?

Well, it’s simple. Use language that is precise and articulate, but also accessible and easy to understand.

Remember, true intelligence lies in making complex ideas understandable, not in making simple ideas sound complicated.

So next time you’re tempted to use that fancy word you just learned, consider if it’s the best fit for your conversation.

2) Dominating conversations

Confession time.

I used to think that the more I talked in a conversation, the smarter I would appear.

After all, it was a chance to showcase my knowledge and insights, right?

But here’s what I learned.

Dominating conversations can often make us come across as self-absorbed rather than intelligent.

People appreciate a good listener as much as they appreciate a good speaker.

I remember this one time at a social gathering. I was passionately talking about a book I had recently read.

Midway through the conversation, I realized that I had been speaking non-stop and hadn’t allowed anyone else to share their thoughts.

That’s when it hit me.

Intelligent conversation is about exchange – sharing ideas, listening to others, and learning from each other.

It’s not just about proving how much you know.

If you want to come across as highly intelligent, remember to listen as much as you speak.

You’ll be surprised by how much more people will value your contributions to the conversation.

3) Discrediting other’s ideas

We’ve all been there.

In a discussion or debate, someone says something that we disagree with or believe to be incorrect.

The immediate instinct? Jump in and correct them.

But let’s pause here.

What does this behavior really communicate? Does it show our intelligence or rather a lack of empathy and a tendency to belittle others?

The truth is, constantly discrediting others’ ideas can make us come across as arrogant and dismissive.

And trust me, that’s far from the image of intelligence we want to project.

Next time you feel the urge to instantly correct someone, take a moment.

Acknowledge their perspective, even if you disagree with it.

Constructive dialogue, not criticism, is the hallmark of an intelligent mind.

Remember, we’re all on this journey of learning and growth together. Let’s make it a supportive one.

4) Neglecting to ask questions

I get it. Sometimes, asking questions can feel like you’re admitting you don’t know something.

And that can be scary, especially when you’re trying to come across as intelligent.

But let’s flip the script here.

Asking questions doesn’t show a lack of knowledge, it shows curiosity, an openness to learn, and a desire to understand – all signs of an intelligent mind.

The most brilliant minds in history were not those who had all the answers but those who asked the most thought-provoking questions.

When you find yourself holding back a question, let it out.

It’s your ticket to learning something new and showing others your genuine interest and intelligence.

5) Ignoring body language

Did you know that up to 93% of communication is nonverbal? That’s right.

Our body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice often speak louder than our words.

Yet, many of us pay little attention to these silent signals we’re sending out.

Crossed arms can signal defensiveness.

Lack of eye contact may imply disinterest.

Constant fidgeting can indicate nervousness.

These subtle behaviors can unintentionally create an impression that’s far from intelligent. So, what to do?

Start by becoming more aware of your own body language.

Practice maintaining eye contact during conversations, using open gestures, and adopting a relaxed posture.

Your body language is a powerful tool in showcasing your intelligence.

So make sure it’s saying the right things about you.

6) Not admitting mistakes

We all mess up sometimes. It’s part of being human.

And yet, admitting we’ve made a mistake can be one of the hardest things to do, especially when we’re striving to appear intelligent.

But here’s a gentle reminder.

Intelligence isn’t about perfection.

It’s about growth and learning, and mistakes are a huge part of that process.

In fact, it’s the ability to acknowledge our mistakes, learn from them, and move forward that truly reflects our intelligence and strength of character.

Next time you make a mistake, don’t shy away from it.

Embrace it as a learning opportunity. Not only will this make you wiser, but it will also show others the depth of your intelligence and humility.

7) Being closed-minded

At the heart of intelligence lies openness – openness to new ideas, new perspectives, and new experiences.

If we close ourselves off to these, we limit our learning and growth.

And that can inadvertently create an impression of being rigid or narrow-minded.

So, strive to be open-minded.

Embrace diversity of thought. Welcome differing opinions with grace and curiosity.

Because, if there’s one thing that truly reflects intelligence, it’s the willingness to continually learn and grow, and a mind that is open to the endless possibilities of the world.

The final takeaway

If you’ve found yourself nodding along to these points, don’t worry.

We all have these behaviors to some extent.

But here’s the silver lining – realising these habits is the first step towards change.

Embrace self-awareness. Start noticing when these behaviors creep into your interactions.

Are you overusing complex words? Dominating conversations or closing yourself off to differing opinions?

Remember, it’s not about striving for perfection but growth.

Your intelligence isn’t defined by these behaviors, and shedding them doesn’t happen overnight.

But with patience and practice, you can start to reshape your actions.

Each conscious decision to listen more, question more or show empathy becomes a stepping stone towards projecting your true intelligence.

As you embark on this journey, remind yourself of the core of intelligence – a thirst for knowledge, openness to learning and a drive for personal growth.

This is your path to showcasing your true intelligence.