Wanna seem smarter without actually having to put in the work? Studies have shown that if you wear glasses it really does make people think you’re smarter than you are. Especially glasses with thick frames. Here’s four more tricks to appear smarter:
1. Add a middle initial to your written name. A study had people judge a paper about Einstein and the writer was either listed as “David Clark” . . . “David F. Clark” . . . “David F.P. Clark” . . . or “David F.P.R. Clark.” And when studied the results, the name with the most initials got the best ratings.
2. Add graphs to your presentations. A Cornell study had people read two versions of a report about a new cold medication. 67% of people said they believed the information as is. But when they added a graph, it jumped to 96%!
3. Drink something, anything other than booze. There’s something called “imbibing idiot bias,” where just holding a drink makes you seem less intelligent, even if you’re sober.
4. Speak more expressively–don’t be boring and monotone. People tend to think you’re smarter when you can vary the speed, volume, and pitch of your voice. And your energy level should fluctuate too.
