When you meet someone for the first time, they want to get a read on you. They look at the way you stand, what you’re wearing, and how you’re speaking to them. People put together clues about you just from a first impression.
The way you speak can determine how intelligent people think you are. If you think you need to sound smarter when you speak, here are a few helpful tips.
Posture is very noticeable when speaking to others. If you’re slouched, you give off the impression that you are uncomfortable and unsure of yourself. Stand straight with a relaxed spine to stay comfortable and mentally relaxed when speaking to others.
Pay attention to the tone of your voice. If you sound monotone or give off vocal fry, you sound bored. You sound like you don’t care about the person you are talking to. Keep your vocal frequencies lively and fit them to the conversation you’re having.
You know the old saying, “If you don’t have something nice to say, then don’t saying anything at all.” In this case, don’t butt into conversations that you don’t have full knowledge of. This makes others think you are rude and a know-it-all. If you want to contribute to a similar conversation, try making common ground so you become more familiar with the topic at hand.
This infographic can help you gain confidence in your speech as well as comfortability. If you need some more speaking tips, here are ways to master the art of public speaking.