Wanna be the smartest person in the room?

We all operate under the delusion that in order to appear smart, we need to say smart things... sorry, not true. You see, all of us think that we're the centre of the universe, not just you. That means that everyone is waiting for someone to listen to the really cool and smart things they've thought of and honed and practiced, so they really aren't listening to you at all. But, if you pay attention, and listen, with genuine curiosity, not only will the people you're listening to, think you are the smartest person in the room, you'll also learn something, even if it's just a different point of view.
Go on try it - empty your mind of your own expectations and biases, and the clutter of all the things you think you ought to say, and really listen. See if you can find the threads running through the conversation, check in to see that you are really understanding, ask few but careful questions to ensure you have the gist of some-one else's idea, and bask in the glow of being the smartest person in the room.