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From my conversation with Vusi Thembekwayo world-renown public speaker with 20+ years of professional experience, I learned how intelligence is communicated through conversation Less than a year ago I had the pleasure of meeting with world-renown public speaker - Vusi Thembekwayo . We connected over breakfast in the heart of London the day after he spoke at a large conference. It was about 10am in the morning when I ordered the pancackes, and as we spoke, I began to grow undestanding of what it actually meant to show intelligence without trying to sound smart. Dumb Things Down: This seems counterintuitive, but it shows Have you ever been to the doctor's and left the appointment more confused than you went in? If so then you probably didn't have a very good doctor. Doctors should have the ability, despite their wealth of knowledge in health & illnesses (with particularly long names), to reduce their understanding to basic lanugage. This allows them to communicate effectively to all audiences, from the most educated to the least, leaving no confusion over your diagnosis. When I spoke with Vusi it felt similar. I felt silly with the lack of knowledge I had coming into the conversation, but soon came to understand why they pay this guy the big-bucks to speak. He is very well educated, and has 20+ years in public speaking professionally, yet was able to break down a concept i didn't understand using basic vocabulary and explanations. Often time in conversation we can be tempted to make ourselves seem smart by showing off our vocabulary, or by using complex examples. The result is that you may seem smart, but no one would ever understand you. Truly, anyone who has the ability to break complex principles down using explanations that even the most uneducated people can grasp is truly the intelligent one. Never patronise: I went into the conversation asking questions that I should have known the answer to (admittedly, I came a little unprepared!). I admitted to lack knowledge on the nature of his work. His response surpirsed me, even to this day. He immediately began to give me a crash course of his work, without hesitation, and without shaming. This is emotional intelligence. There were two options to choose from: overtly emphasise the missing gap in knowledge, or take the opportunity to humbly teach. He's a busy guy and I wouldn't blame him for the former response, but his intelligence came across in the latter, which contributed to a relaxed and productive conversation. Be willing To Answer Questions, and Ask Them Back: I ask a lot of questions. A lot. The intention is for me to understand to the point where I can respond effectively rather than superficially; but this depends upon the responnses received. Your willingess to answer and ask questions shows your interest in the conversation, and also your ability to articulate yourself. You can show your level of intelligence by being able to effectively explain opinions, and points. No doubt i asked him many questions , which he noticed aswell. But he was able to handle it and engage me likewise. All in all, the hour long breakfast felt very productive - we managed to cover a lot in that time which was great as it was my first time meeting him. And considering this person is well known in his craft, I imagine other people's observations would have been on his lifestyle or finances, but for me it was the intelligence.

From my conversation with Anne Welsh , a successful entrepreneur, and former Special Advisor to the Nigerian President. Born with Sickle-cell Anemia , she taught on how to succeed despite your current limitations, and even gain the attention of Presidents and leaders . Anne Welsh Success Anne is the Founder and CEO of Painless Universal Author of a book co-signed by world leaders Former Special Advisor to the President of Nigeria Leadership Coach Mother of 2 Anne's Limitations Anne has suffered from Sickle-cell Anemia since birth   - This has meant that admissions into hospital hindered both her learning and her ability to take advantage of opportunity's that others would easily be able to. Anne started University late, and graduated late - In an age where people rush to achieve and hit certain targets at the expected age, she has shown that a delay in your journey doesn't mean a denial of your dreams. Anne's Career Path Was Redircted - An unexpected change occurred after Lehman Brother's (her former employer) collapsed in 2008! But this tragedy turned into opportunity, as she was approached for a new role by the President of Nigeria. How To Overcome Limitations Your Mindset Overcomes Physical Struggles! - Mental side is the hardest part of being physcially sick . Anne notes she "saw life differently" when she began to see how her focus on the pain exaggerated the issue and made her feel useless. Instead she began to focus on how blessed she was. Once you focus on the opportunities, and positives that exist either elsewhere (or even in your struggle), then you have won most of the battle. See the Opportunity in your struggle - Anne saw the need for community as she spoke with others about the struggle with Sickle-cell. This lead to her creating the community to support others going through the same struggle. Have a community going through similar struggles   - Being in contact with those going through your struggles opens you up to receiving useful tips to get through it, and be encouraged seeing their achievements despite limiation. How To gain the Attention of Presidents Be Strategic - "No one will come knock on your door" she emphasised. Be at the events where they will be out, and network aggressively - The importance of extracting lessons from negative experiences. Composure and Flexibility - Being calm in difficult situations. A tense attitude will only make things worse. The way you respond to a situation is the one thing you can always control. - Be ready to adapt your schedule to a demanding role like this. Be travel ready! " Don't be afraid" to ask difficult questions.   - "It's better to look stupid than not to ask!" Call to Action Which issues in your life are you placing a magnifying glass over? That practice exaggerates the struggle. Rather place the same magnifying glass over the many blessings you have! To Impress Presidents and Leaders, be intentional. Seek to attend events they plan to go to, and network! Be flexible . As you plant seeds, make sure you're ready to adapt to the opportunities you get.