How can I identify the smartest person in the room?

[Silentsweeper]

In business and social settings it is pretty easy to identify who the most powerful or influential person in the room is. They have the fanciest title, everyone around them is seeking their approval, and when they make a statement the group falls into agreement.
It’s very easy to identify the most powerful person in the room, but the most powerful person is very rarely the smartest person in the room.When I’m in a meeting or at a conference, I always watch who the most senior person in the room looks to for approval after answering a question.

[Walter_Potts]

In business and social settings it is pretty easy to identify who the most powerful or influential person in the room is. They have the fanciest title, everyone around them is seeking their approval, and when they make a statement the group falls into agreement.
It’s very easy to identify the most powerful person in the room, but the most powerful person is very rarely the smartest person in the room.When I’m in a meeting or at a conference, I always watch who the most senior person in the room looks to for approval after answering a question.

The most intelligent person is very often not the most influential. I mean formally.
But people feel the intellectual superiority subconsciously. That's why people often look at this person when they speak, they are looking for his approval.
Often the smartest person speaks least of all.

[Steamtyme]

When I’m in a meeting or at a conference, I always watch who the most senior person in the room looks to for approval after answering a question.

I feel this may only be leading you to their "handler". These people are often there to help keep the "important" or visible person of a company/brand on message. So when you witness a politician or CEO answer a question off the cuff they may just be trying to gauge how well they did.

Often the smartest person speaks least of all.

This is a sad truth most of the time. Depending on the setting they may not be speaking up, to protect their job or job prospects. In other circles it may be that they just don't have the energy to discuss the issues anymore; or feel their time will just be wasted.

Best thing to do in the end, is just make sure you are sorting out fact from fiction in the room.

[Tetew50]

Yes indeed, to be the most powerful person is not only needed intelligence, but also needed a qualified experience.