Summary

The article outlines three key strategies for enhancing intelligence: patience in learning, playing chess, and improving communication skills.

Abstract

The article "How to Be Smart" suggests that intelligence is not solely an innate trait but can be developed through deliberate effort and patience. It emphasizes the importance of studying subjects of interest deeply, engaging in the strategic game of chess to improve problem-solving abilities, and refining one's ability to articulate thoughts clearly and effectively. By committing to these practices, individuals can transform their intellectual capabilities, leading to better problem-solving skills, increased self-confidence, and the ability to communicate complex ideas.

Opinions

Intelligence is not fixed at birth; it can be cultivated through dedication and strategic learning.
Patience is crucial in the process of developing intelligence, as significant progress takes time and effort.
Studying a variety of subjects and actively engaging with the material, rather than passively reading, is essential for meaningful learning.
Playing chess is recommended as a method to enhance cognitive skills, including attention to detail, strategic thinking, and finding creative solutions to complex problems.
Effective communication, both written and spoken, is a hallmark of intelligence and is necessary for conveying ideas clearly to others.
The article suggests that the discipline and focus required in chess can translate into real-life problem-solving and goal achievement.
The way one speaks reflects their educational level and intelligence; therefore, clear pronunciation, organized thought, and a well-considered choice of words are important.
The author values the use of common sense in communication, advocating for clarity and objectivity over the use of overly complex vocabulary.

How to Be Smart

Learn how to develop your intelligence through 3 tactics, which will help you in different ways.

You might think that some people are born smart, while others never fail to be mediocre. However, a not-so-intelligent person can become a genius if he strives to develop his intelligence.

So don’t be discouraged if you think you are not that smart and that you will never be able to reach the level of those you consider to be smart by birth.

First of all, learn to be patient. Your intelligence will not be developed suddenly and without your effort. In fact, patience is a virtue that characterizes intelligent people. Anyone who is intelligent knows very well that everything takes time and depends on some process to be transformed into something of value.

So don’t think like those who don’t understand the importance of patience and want to find simple solutions to quickly reach their goal. Developing your intelligence is not simple, but complicated.

In the beginning you have to spend a lot of time developing the parts of your brain that you don’t use. However, once you have developed your intelligence you will feel better and you will be able to achieve many goals.

So, it’s worth your effort to follow all the necessary steps to realistically reach your goal, without expecting positive results ahead of time.

Start by studying various subjects that interest you until you learn well what you studied. Don’t just read books or documents online without recording what you’ve learned in your memory, otherwise, you won’t remember everything you’ve read and you won’t be able to learn more complicated things in the future.

If you don’t understand a lesson well you should read it many times until it becomes understandable. Read several books and documents on the same subject that can help you understand what seems to be difficult to understand, and relate the information you find in each book or document as if you were a teacher and you were going to teach a class about what you know.

Learn to play chess online and play against the computer or against other people on sites like chess.com and chessfriends.com. There are many other sites you can use to play with other members and where you will find lots of lessons on how to play well.

Watch chess champions games on YouTube in order to imitate the techniques used by them in their matches. There are several narrators who make interesting comments when showing the games of the best players. My favorite commentator is Mato Jelic since he explains what would happen if a player hadn’t done what he did in the game and other interesting details. I also like Kingscrusher’s comments. Watch their videos to learn how to play well.

At first, you will be discouraged because you will see that it’s not easy to win the game. You will get irritated for having to pay attention to so many details and so many dangers. In the end, you will find it’s not worth it to tire your brain with a game like this.

However, it is precisely the fact that you who strive to pay attention to countless details during the game will help you develop your intelligence.

Later you will realize that thanks to chess games you will be able to find solutions to your problems with ease and originality. Chess will help you find extraordinary ways out in difficult times and use means you’ve never used before to achieve your goals. So, it’s worth racking your brain to get a checkmate and take down your opponent, however tiring and complicated it can be.

Learn to write correctly and speak well. If you don’t know how to present your ideas in an organized and intelligent way, no one will understand the meaning of your words.

How you speak is very important if you want to become smart and demonstrate your intelligence.

Learn to speak as if you were a teacher or speaker. Pronounce all words clearly, without swallowing the final letters. Never speak too fast because no one will be able to keep up with you.

If you speak like a child or if you are incomprehensible, no one will respect you or pay attention to what you say.

You have to always keep in mind that you must convey your ideas clearly so that your listeners can understand what you are saying.

You must learn to organize your ideas, speak slowly, and pronounce each word well so that everyone can follow your thoughts. You will realize that you will better understand what you explain to others when you will become an excellent speaker.

Avoid stuttering, and pause several times as you speak to give your listeners a chance to think and really understand what you are saying.

Try to gradually improve your speech by training when you are alone. Talk to the wall as if you were talking to another person until you learn to speak clearly in public.

The way you speak reflects your educational level. So try to expand your vocabulary, but don’t use complicated words that no one knows what they mean. Be objective and clear and think carefully about what you are going to say before opening your mouth.

If you don’t have something smart to say, be silent. Don’t make silly remarks or repeat trite phrases.

Follow these steps until you feel comfortable in front of the audience.

Never stop studying, playing chess, and expressing yourself efficiently as if you were teaching others, since these tactics that you will initially use to develop your intelligence will always help you in many ways, throughout your life.