Skills that are easy to learn and will impress people
Here are a few simple, quick, and cool talents that you can learn to impress your friends. Some of these are really badass skills to learn! Some are just impressive. Either way, they're all pretty awesome and you'll be the life of the party in no time.
Knowing the day of the week for any date
This one involves a little memorizing but master this and you'll be the hit of your next party. Start by knowing the date of the first Sunday of each month, then, when someone gives you a date, you think of that month's first Sunday date and then do a little math to figure out the day of the week.
For example, here are the dates for the first Sunday of each month in 2019:
- January: 6
- February: 3
- March: 3
- April: 7
- May: 5
- June: 2
- July: 7
- August: 4
- September: 1
- October: 6
- November: 3
- December: 1
If it's too hard for you to remember 12 numbers, simply try remembering them in groups of three. So 2019 is 633, 752, 741 and 631 (for the dates). Got it?
So for Valentine's Day, (which would be February 14), you'd have to take 3 (because the first Sunday in February is on the 3rd) and subtract the month number from the selected date (14-3 = 11). Then subtract as many full weeks from that number (only one, so 11-7 = 4). Last, you count forward from Sunday which brings you to Thursday.
Let's try Halloween (October 31, 2019). Sunday falls on the 6th for October, so 31-6 = 25. Then 25-21 = 4. We end up with Thursday.
Open a beer bottle with a lighter
If you've got a lighter in your pocket, you can use it to do more than just lighting stuff. How about helping yourself and a few friends to a beer? It takes a little practice but once you get it down, you've got a skill that could be used at every party for life.
Learn the "4-turn Checkmate in Chess AKA the Scholars Mate" in chess
Memorize these 4 moves and you'll look like a chess pro everytime you pull it off.
Make a paper crane that can flap its wings
This is one of those tricks that come in handy when you're at a restaurant waiting for your food to come out or when you're in the company of children. All you need is a square piece of paper or napkin.
Touch-typing (ten-finger typing)
Why? Because typing with your thumbs or your 2 index fingers is embarrassing. Today, this may not be as impressive as it once was, but in front of the right person, you can still pull it off.
Lockpicking
Picking a lock is one of those skills that is fairly simple to understand but hard to master. All you need are a few simple tools and you're good to go.
Become a Jenga master
This works when the bottom layer has two pieces left. You simply pull them both out quickly, simultaneously. It looks hard to do, but it's actually pretty easy. Pull this off and you'll be famous for a few seconds.
Peeling an orange or grapefruit in a perfect spiral
You'll make your friends jealous with this one. You'll get compliments at every small gathering once you learn it.
Learn how to change a tire
This is one of those skills in life that will carry you from kid to grown adult once you're able to do it. You'll also save yourself in a situation where you have to change out a flat tire. Plus, you can really make someone's day if you stop and help a stranger on the side of the road.
Learn how to greet people in different languages
This is a major icebreaker when you meet someone new. You'll set a great impression when you first meet people!
Solve a Rubik's cube
Start by following a guide over and over and over until you have it memorized. Once you master this, you'll be the master of the group.
Learn formulas in Microsoft Excel
You'll be surprised how many people in an office are terrified of using Microsoft Excel. The best part, you don't need to be a math wizard to do these.
Learn to cook
This is a basic life skill as you make that transition from microwave to stove. It works great when trying to impress a love interest or friends as well.
Remembering names
This is really simple, but hard to master (believe it or not). Start by making a conscious decision to remember people's names. Tie it to an image or movie character if you have to. For instance, if you meet someone named Mario, just remember Super Mario each time you see this person.
Pencil twirling
I learned this in middle school and to this day, impress my kids with this skill each and every time. Plus, you'll have something to do when you're sitting around in meetings or class.
Learn computer shortcuts on Windows or Mac OS
Put that mouse away and start using your keyboard to navigate around your computer. Here are a few to help you get started.
For PC:
Ctrl+C - Copy selected item
Ctrl+V - Paste
Mac OS:
Command+C - Copy selected item
Command+V - Paste
Learn to shuffle cards and do a few card tricks
The fancier you can do it the more impressive you'll be. Do it how a magician would.
Learn to tie a Windsor tie knot
You'll impress the ladies and it'll only take around 5 minutes to learn.
Learn to juggle
Once you learn the first part you're good to go!
Armpit farting
OK, this one is more for small get-togethers and beer parties, but learn it and you'll be the life of the party.
Whistling with your fingers
This one took a few days for me to get right. Who knows, maybe one day you'll have a need to whistle LOUDLY in order to get someone's attention.
Poaching eggs
Get your water boiling to the right temperature and learn to poach some eggs.
Learn to play an instrument
OK, this one is not so simple. It'll take days, weeks, months, years to perfect. But learn how to play a piano, guitar, drum, (or any instrument) and you'll be able to provide the music at any BBQ or picnic.
Break an apple in half using only your hands
Who needs a knife? If you've got 2 hands, you're ready to go.
Holding a conversation without checking your phone
Yeah, most of us are guilty of this one. When was the last time you were able to have a conversation with someone without checking your phone? So instead of looking down at your phone during a conversation, look into the eyes of the person in front of you.
So there you have it. 25 ways for you to impress your friends and be the life of your next party. Did I miss any on this list? Anything you want to add to it? Tell me in the comments below.