In today’s fast-paced world, it’s essential to communicate effectively and make a good impression on others. One of the things people might find off-putting is when someone comes across as pretentious. Being perceived as pretentious can harm your relationships, both personal and professional. Therefore, it’s crucial to be mindful of your behavior and presentation. Here are three ways to avoid coming off as pretentious:

1. Be Humble and Approachable

One key to avoiding being seen as pretentious is to develop a sense of humility and approachability. Don’t boast about your accomplishments, talents, or knowledge to impress others; it often backfires.

Instead, let others discover your skills and abilities organically through their interactions with you. Admit when you don’t know something or made a mistake, and be willing to learn from others. This will make people respect you more not because they think you’re incredible, but because they see you as genuine and down-to-earth.

2. Use Simple Language

Using excessively complicated words, phrases, or jargon in an attempt to sound intelligent might actually have the opposite effect. It could make others perceive you as pretentious, particularly if they’re struggling to understand what you’re saying.

When speaking or writing, use simple language that everyone can understand without compromising the effectiveness of your communication. When talking about specific topics within your field that might include technical terms, ensure that you explain them in an easy-to-understand way for those not familiar with the topic.

3. Show Genuine Interest in Others

Taking a genuine interest in other people’s lives, stories, thoughts, and achievements is key to avoiding a pretentious image. Being curious about someone else’s experiences demonstrates humility; you are acknowledging that there are things out there that you don’t know.

Ask open-ended questions when engaging in conversations and resist the urge to dominate the discussion or overshadow the other person’s story with your own. Actively listen, and show empathy when appropriate. This will make others feel comfortable around you, as they’ll see that you’re truly interested in them rather than simply using them as a way to share your own exploits or intelligence.

In conclusion, avoiding pretentiousness involves developing a sense of humility, using simple language, and showing genuine interest in others. By cultivating these qualities and being mindful of how you come across to people, you’ll find that your interactions with others become far more rewarding, endearing, and authentic.