We all have moments of feeling incapable, but that doesn’t mean anyone has to know about it. Even if you’re not feeling super competent, there are a few tricks that can full even the most intelligent person in the room into thinking your have the competence level of a Mensa member.

According to research (and who’s going to argue with scientific research . . .), here are three things that will make you seem more competent:

1) Talk Fast – Speaking more quickly makes people think we’re more capable because it’s a signal that our brains work faster, according to studies. An added bonus is that you’re more likely to win arguments when you speak fast because the other person doesn’t have enough time to truly evaluate what you’re saying.

2) Be Standoffish – Acting a little bit cold to people makes you seem more skilled than those who act warm and fuzzy more often than not. There was even a study in 2009 that tested this theory out and those who weren’t as easy to talk to seemed more competent than those that were more welcoming.

3) Ask for Advice – It’s totally one of those reverse psychology deals. Competent people are aware when they don’t know something, whereas a fool is less likely to know they’re being a fool. Plus, asking for another’s input makes them feel smart, and then reflects back to you as well.

Here’s the real kicker . . .

The study found these tips actually work better for women, where as it can sometimes have the opposite effect for men (especially men in leadership positions).