|
how can i talk 'smart'?
I am not a very bright person! Whenever I try to bring up a conversation, people always tell me that what I say either isn't right, or very "professional" but I try hard to make it sound that way. I am usually trying to sound that way at my job when I want to join in on a conversation my co-workers are having. And every time I do, they look at me really retarded and I am thinking to myself they must not think I am very smart. I don't think they have ever seen the "smart" side of me since I am always doing clutzy things at work, and trying to relate to what they are talking about. I hope that makes sense, so I am asking if anyone has any tips on how I can sound more professional without looking like a total idiot? Thanks.
[And if it helps] I am a very talkative person and the only way they talk to ME is if I start to mingle with them first.
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Relationships category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Work/School Relationships?
This sounds like a basic communication problem. If you are making a conscious effort to sound 'professional', this means you are playing a role. Because of this, you are probably concentrating more on what you say, as well as how you are saying it. This can lead to uncomfortable conversation.
People are generally more comfortable around people who are comfortable in themselves. This means having a natural response to questions, not actively planning how you want to come across.
For example, when you asked this question I assume you were asking for help in a genuine way - not worried about looking professional. As a result, I felt enough empathy for you to WANT to respond. I thought you sounded like a warm, genuine person.
If you had written a really scripted question, it might have ended up sounding dry, stilted, or perhaps not gotten your feelings across.
I wish you the very best, and would guess that if you try to really act the way you feel that things will improve.
]
if your trying to talk smart, my advice is to NOT.no offense, but if you TRY to talk smart, your just being someone your not.& well thats not good. my advice is to keep it real. Use small words. Be yourself. If you know what your talking about, it should be fine.
& if people are like shut up your stupid and not smart, come up with a good comeback like "Look whos talking?"good luck
hope i helped
much love,
MOlly
]
I would like to start off by saying that you seem a lot brighter than many people I come across--you use proper grammar and punctuation, correct capitalisation, and you express yourself well. So when it comes to writing, you don't have a problem.
But I know from experience that writing doesn't always translate into speaking (I'm very shy in person, for instance, and I sometimes have trouble expressing myself). However, I doubt you seem remotely stupid.
It sounds like your co-workers are, to put it nicely, lacking manners. This is a reflection on them, not you; unfortunately that also means you can't fix them. You don't need to use big words or be a perfect speaker in order to be smart. You simply know what you're talking about and have confidence in yourself.
I wish there was a simple answer. But it sounds like these people are simply stuck-up jerks.
Don't put yourself down. Manners and intelligence (which I really, truly think you possess) are more important than a false sense of superiority.
I just wish there was something else I could do to help--I know reassurances probably weren't what you were looking for.
]
Verb tense is the thing that people often notice.
"they look at me really retarded..."
That doesn't make sense. I know what you're trying to say, but it's not correct usage of the word "retarded."
In your question you leave out words like that. For example, "...thinking to myself [THAT] they must not think that I am very smart."
Enunciate your words. Nothing is harder on the ears than someone who doesn't fully and correctly pronounce each syllable of their words.
If the say that it "isn't right," are they referring to your grammar, or are they referring to your topic? If it's your topic, are they trying to debate with you?
Apparently, the way that I speak is sophisiticated amongst people my age, and so if you have specific examples of other things that you would like to fix, please let me know via my inbox.
:)
]
Well, collect your thoughts first so they don't come out in fragments or random weird choppy words.
Pick up some words the people around you are using and use them for later but not too excessively.
Limit yourself forom going on and on about something and just take time to sit, listen and catch up on what they're saying, how you can put your comment into that--without sounding idiotic.
There's really no way to talk "smart" unless you've expanded your knowledge in like every subject. Plus, it's how you talk and if they're going to make snappy decisions with it and judges you with how you talk, they're the idiots.
]
Big words are good, but don't use too many of them. Also, compound sentences are good, but don't make them run-ons. Don't repeat yourself and feel free to use contractions! You sound like an immigrant when you don't. Just express your thoughts clearly and concisely and you should sounds smarter.
]
More Questions: |