6 ways to be the most informed person in the room

Depending on your lifestyle, you may not have enough time to keep up with the news every day. But, the news is not the only resource you can use to keep informed. Now days, technology has provided us with a wealth of options to keep our mind up to speed.  Outlined below, are some of the most useful resources for keeping you educated and informed.

1.       Books or Audio Books

Read or listen to a non-Fiction book on a topic of your choice. Put in an audio book on your way to work, or try reading for 30 minutes before you go to bed.

2.       Documentaries

Try watching a documentary instead of Blockbuster new release. Netflix has a very comprehensive assortment of documentaries that are nominated for international awards.  

3.       Social Media

Follow your favorite activist, author, or journalist on Twitter, Facebook, or through their personal blog. This option is fast, easy, and relatively free (as long as you have the internet).

4.       Take a class or purchase a digital course

Check out the listings of classes at your local university or community college. If you do not have time to take a class you can buy a college course on DVD, CD, or MP3 through Great Courses on just about any topic you can imagine.

 

5.       Ask a stranger

Next time you strike up a random conversation with a stranger make sure you ask them if they have any movie or book recommendations. You may not get to learn much from a person in the few minutes of time you share, but if you get a good recommendation you may learn more than you imagined.

6.       Get involved

I always learn more when I jump into the action and get a first hand experience. 

Remember, the most informed people are those that are able to form an objective opinion. This means they look at a problem from multiple points of views.  For example, try watching Fox and BBC or try reading books by conservatives and liberals. It is your responsibility to get educated and the sooner you become informed, the sooner we can work together to make the world a better place.

In the very least, these suggestions are great ways to keep your dinner conversation and small talk up to speed.