How to appear more intelligent during your office lunch break

It's not hard to get all your co-workers to believe you're super smart. (Shutterstock)

Just because you feel average (or a little less than average sometimes) doesn’t mean everyone else has to know your secret. Here's how to look like the office Einstein on your lunch break.

So it’s midday and your co-workers invite you to join them for a group lunch.

You know the hour is going to be filled with topics that cover diets, movies, office gossip and possibly new developments in the industry. And now you’re afraid you’ll be judged on all the things you don’t know about each of those topics.

But before you break Google looking for answers (you probably don’t have time for that anyways) rather use these tricks that’ll have everyone believing you’re wise beyond your years even if you don’t think you really are.

Fool your colleagues into thinking you’re smarter than you really are by:

Watching your body language

Smart people know that nonverbal social cues are constantly being emitted by their co-workers. For example, when someone greets you at the water cooler, or stops for a chat on the way to the canteen, smile and engage them in return. Basically, you’re trying to send signals that say “I understand and I’m interested in you”. Maybe try practicing at home first...

Read: The 8 co-workers you’ll find at your first job

Listening more than you speak

Smart people engage with whoever they’re speaking with. Ask “What are you working on?” and have follow-up questions. You’ll make the other person feel special and important, which will make them like you too (and you might even learn something, such as how a different job role or department within your company works, which you can use elsewhere in other conversations or meetings: it’s win-win, right?)

Keeping it simple

Smart people are self-aware. They like know where they are, like where they’ve been and like where they want to be and stuff, you know? So the key to looking smart during lunch conversations with co-workers is to stop using the fillers “Um…” or “Er...” and also to keep the slang words to a minimum, my bru. It’s also comforting to remember that smart people are usually the awkward ones, so embrace sounding nerdy if you’re ever caught off-guard.

Being eager to solve problems, and never whining

Smart people talk about solutions. Think like Spock and stay rational - unfiltered emotions really damage objectivity at work. When the kitchen is out of milk and the temps are revolting, look for solutions, don’t join the fray and start complaining. You’ll sound whiny (much like a little kid whose toy got taken away) and smart people never whine. Intelligent people, in fact, think a few steps ahead and already have their eye on a new and better toy (an in-house barista with a steady delivery of fresh organic milk... Mmm).

Remembering you don’t have to know everything

Smart people know that it’s okay not to know everything. In fact, most smart people don’t even believe they’re smart and many of them have Imposter Syndrome (it’s a real thing!). But they don’t feel the need to impress their peers by commenting on everything – sometimes silence is even better than bluffing (that’s a thing too: you can fake it till you make it).

Read: A massive myth busted: You might not need talent to succeed after all

So next time you miss the latest Kardashian drama or fall asleep during Game of Thrones, rather walk away from the heated discussion. If trapped by a co-worker, take a HUGE bite of that wrap if you can’t respond to questions about the latest episode of Come Dine With Me, and shrug apologetically. 

For more ‘expert’ advice like this, read How to Look Smarter in a Meeting and How to Look Smarter at your Desk.