10 Things You Do That Make You Seem Less Intelligent (But You Can Fix!)

The way you communicate or behave can influence how others view your intelligence. Small habits might unintentionally give off the wrong impression.

Most of these things are easy to fix once you know what they are.

Interrupting others mid-conversation

Interrupting can make you seem impatient or uninterested in what others have to say. It often gives the impression that you value your words more than theirs.

Try to listen fully before speaking. This shows respect and helps you respond more thoughtfully.

If you feel the urge to interrupt, take a deep breath and wait for a pause.

Using filler words like ‘um’ or ‘like’ excessively

When you use filler words like “um” or “like” too often, it can make your speech seem less confident. These words interrupt the flow and might distract listeners from your main points.

You can improve by practicing pauses instead of fillers. Taking a brief silence gives you time to think and makes your speech clearer.

Try recording yourself to notice how often you use these words.

Relying on slang in professional settings

Using slang at work can make your message unclear. It might confuse colleagues who aren’t familiar with the terms you use.

You don’t need to lose your personality, but choosing clearer language helps. Stick to words that everyone understands in meetings and emails.

If you catch yourself using slang too often, try slowing down your speech or reviewing your messages before sending.

Skipping proofreading emails

When you skip proofreading your emails, small mistakes can slip through. These mistakes might make you appear careless or rushed.

Taking a moment to read over your email helps catch typos and unclear sentences.

Using tools like spell check or reading your message aloud can make a big difference.

Overusing social media during work

When you spend too much time on social media while working, it can make you seem distracted. Your focus drifts, so you might miss important details or fall behind on tasks.

Constantly checking social apps interrupts your flow and lowers your productivity.

Try setting specific times to check social media, like during breaks.

Avoiding admitting when you don’t know something

You might feel pressure to always have the right answer, but pretending to know something when you don’t can actually make you seem less credible. It’s okay to admit when you’re unsure.

Saying, “I don’t know, but I’ll find out,” shows confidence and a willingness to learn.

Admitting gaps in your knowledge gives you a chance to grow.

Not making eye contact

When you avoid eye contact, people might think you’re unsure or uninterested. It can make it harder for others to trust what you say.

You don’t need to stare, but try to hold eye contact for a few seconds at a time.

If eye contact feels uncomfortable, practice by looking at people during conversations or even while watching videos.

Ignoring punctuation in writing

When you skip or misuse punctuation, your writing can become difficult to follow. It may leave readers confused about your meaning or intentions.

Using commas, periods, and question marks correctly helps your ideas come across clearly.

Try reading your writing aloud. Pauses often indicate where punctuation should go.

Talking too fast without clarity

When you speak too quickly, listeners may struggle to keep up with your ideas. This can make your message confusing or hard to follow.

Slowing down a bit gives people time to process what you’re saying.

Try pausing briefly between important points. This helps your words land clearly and gives your audience a moment to absorb the information.

Practicing mindful breathing can naturally slow your pace. Focus on clarity rather than speed to make your conversations more effective.

Not backing up claims with facts

Making a claim without evidence can hurt your credibility. People are more likely to trust statements backed by clear facts or examples.

To sound more knowledgeable, try to support your points. You don’t need to memorize everything, but get comfortable sharing reliable sources or simple proof.

Using facts helps you avoid misunderstandings. It also shows you’ve done your homework.

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