Intelligent people aren’t always talking about philosophy or adjusting their glasses as they read books on ancient history.
In fact, those who are truly clever might enjoy those things, but they’re not central to their daily habits or behaviours. If you want to spot the smartest person in the room, they tend to be a bit more understated. Chances are, you’ll catch them doing these things — if you want to up your own IQ, you might want to adopt some of these yourself.
1. Listening more than they talk
Have you ever spoken to someone who really listens? They’re not just waiting for their turn to talk or jumping in with a story about themselves. Instead, they’re tuned in, nodding at just the right moments, and remembering details you mentioned weeks ago. When they do speak, their responses show they’ve actually processed what you said—not just heard it. These people make conversations feel like a collaboration, not a competition, which is why people always gravitate towards them.
2. Asking thoughtful and interesting questions
Instead of blurting out generic questions like “How’s work?” they ask things that make you pause and actually think. They’re curious about your perspective and how you got there. These questions aren’t just polite—they’re conversation starters that often lead to fascinating discussions. You might walk away thinking about something you’ve never considered before, and they seem genuinely interested in learning from you, not just sharing their own thoughts.
3. Admitting when they don’t know something with no qualms
If they don’t know the answer, they don’t fake it. They’re the first to say, “I’ve never thought about it that way,” or “That’s new to me—tell me more.” This honesty is refreshing because, let’s be real, how often do people just admit they don’t know? It also makes you feel more comfortable around them since they’re not pretending to be perfect or all-knowing.
4. Changing their minds when it feels right
For them, opinions aren’t locked in forever—they’re more like a work in progress. When they’re presented with new information, they’ll actually consider it, and if it makes sense, they’ll adjust their views. They’re not stubborn about being “right” and are willing to admit when their perspective shifts. This flexibility keeps their thinking sharp and makes people feel comfortable sharing different ideas.
5. Sharing the credit with people who deserve it
You’ll rarely hear them taking all the glory for something. Instead, they’ll highlight the team effort or mention what they learned from someone else. They’ll casually drop in a line like, “That was actually inspired by something Sarah said last week,” because they understand that acknowledging what other people bring to the table builds better relationships—and keeps them learning, too.
6. Putting complicated ideas into easy-to-understand terms
They’re not out here throwing jargon at you or making things sound overly complicated to prove how smart they are. Instead, they’ll break things down in a way that makes you think, “Oh, that makes total sense now.” They’ll use relatable examples and check in to make sure everyone’s following without being patronising. Their clarity makes complicated topics feel approachable.
7. Taking their time with decisions
You won’t catch them rushing into conclusions or making snap judgments. They’ll gather as much information as they can and take the time to reflect before deciding. Their patience means their decisions are usually well thought out, and they tend to see angles other people might miss in their rush to wrap things up.
8. Observing before acting
Instead of being the loudest person in the room, they hang back for a bit, taking it all in. They notice who hasn’t spoken yet, who might need a nudge to join in, or what the group’s mood is. When they finally contribute, it’s with intention—and they usually manage to say exactly what needs to be said.
9. Being thoughtful with their humour
Their sense of humour isn’t about cutting people down or showing off—it’s about finding just the right moment to lighten the mood or add a fresh perspective. Their jokes make you laugh with them, not feel uncomfortable or singled out. It’s the kind of humour that draws people in and makes even tense situations feel manageable.
10. Showing curiosity about everything
They genuinely want to know how things work, why people think the way they do, and what makes someone light up. Whether it’s a new hobby, an interesting story, or just learning a fun fact, their curiosity is infectious. They’re the kind of person who gets everyone else excited about something they didn’t even realise was fascinating.
11. Making connections with people on all sorts of different topics
One minute they’re talking about art, and the next, they’ve linked it to science or history in a way that makes total sense. Their brains seem to be this endless library of information that they pull together effortlessly. These connections make conversations with them feel fresh and exciting, even when the topic seemed ordinary at first.
12. Respecting everyone’s POV, even if it’s really different from their own
Instead of shutting down opposing views, they lean in with genuine interest. “Tell me more about why you think that” is something you’ll hear often from them. They don’t argue to “win”—they explore disagreements to understand where someone’s coming from. It’s not about proving a point; it’s about learning something new.
13. Staying calm during drama
When everyone else is panicking or getting heated, they’re the steady anchor in the room. They manage to keep their cool without brushing off what’s happening. Instead, they focus on solutions or helping people regain their balance, making them the person everyone turns to when things get messy.
14. Not overcomplicating things just to sound smart
There’s no need for big words or drawn-out explanations when something simple will do. They’re confident enough to keep things straightforward, which makes them incredibly approachable. Cutting through the fluff and getting to the heart of the matter is one of their secret superpowers.
15. Showing real empathy
They don’t just nod along when you’re upset—they actually engage with what you’re saying. Instead of rushing to offer solutions or advice, they take the time to understand your feelings. Their empathy makes you feel seen, which is why people are drawn to them for support and guidance.
16. Constantly looking for opportunities to learn
Whether it’s picking up a new skill, reading about something random, or just asking questions, they treat every moment as a chance to learn. It’s not about showing off how much they know—it’s about genuinely wanting to grow. Their enthusiasm for learning is contagious, making you want to join in on their journey.
