Social expertise: The secret to being interesting is showing interest in others

According to Nick Enfield, a professor of linguistics at the University of Sydney, being an interesting person is a relational quality rather than a collection of individual traits. Enfield suggests that attempting to appear interesting through flashy possessions or unusual hobbies is often self-focused and superficial.

Instead, the key to engaging others lies in being genuinely interested in them. Enfield recommends practicing “generous curiosity” and active listening—asking follow-up questions and allowing others to drive the interaction. By focusing on learning about others, individuals can grow personally and become more engaging conversationalists.