8 answers
Bernadette
Student
Salinas, California
1
Question
Asked
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How can I turn my weakness into one of my biggest strengths?
One of my main concerns is being able to generate questions or relevant ideas when having a conversation with my superiors, and a good voice.
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8 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Bernadette!
First of all, the fact that you're even asking this shows you already have a self-awareness that so many people wish they had. That alone is a secret strength waiting to bloom.
I really love how Carol, Anthony, Martha, and Michael J all dropped some golden nuggets here — and they're absolutely right. This is something so many people struggle with (even those super confident ones who seem like they've got it all together).
So Bernadette, Feeling like you don't always have the perfect question or idea in the moment? That doesn't mean you're weak — it means you're a deep thinker. People who take their time to process things often end up asking the most thoughtful, powerful questions later on. The world needs more reflective minds like yours.
The key is to trust your own pace. If ideas don't flow naturally in the moment, that's okay. One trick is to mentally give yourself permission to follow up after conversations. You can always shoot a message or email like, "Hey, I was reflecting on what we discussed earlier, and something came to mind..." That shows you're genuinely engaged — not just trying to say something for the sake of saying something.
Now, about that voice you're working on — Anthony nailed it when he said it takes time to find your voice, just like a musician tuning their instrument. But here's a little secret: confidence in your voice doesn't come from having the perfect tone or the smartest words — it comes from believing what you have to say matters.
One of the best ways to strengthen both your voice and your mind is to become obsessed with curiosity. Read, listen to podcasts, watch TED Talks, follow thought leaders in your field — not to memorize facts, but to spark questions inside you. The more curious you are, the more natural those questions will flow in conversations.
And if you're still worried about coming up with ideas in the moment — here's a little cheat code: become the best listener in the room. People love when someone genuinely listens to them. When you don't know what to say, try asking open-ended questions like:
"That's really interesting — what made you think of that?"
"How did you come to that conclusion?"
"What would you say is the biggest challenge with that?"
Questions like these aren't just filler — they're the secret sauce that makes conversations feel alive.
And if you're ever doubting yourself in a meeting, just remember: even the quietest voice in the room can carry the most weight when it speaks with intention.
Keep leaning into that curiosity, give yourself permission to process things at your own rhythm, and never forget — your voice has value exactly as it is, even while you're still finding it.
You've got this, Bernadette! If you ever need help with conversation starters, public speaking tips, or even book or podcast recommendations to boost your confidence, I'm totally here for it. The world needs more thoughtful minds like yours.
All the best and good luck, you got this! 😎
First of all, the fact that you're even asking this shows you already have a self-awareness that so many people wish they had. That alone is a secret strength waiting to bloom.
I really love how Carol, Anthony, Martha, and Michael J all dropped some golden nuggets here — and they're absolutely right. This is something so many people struggle with (even those super confident ones who seem like they've got it all together).
So Bernadette, Feeling like you don't always have the perfect question or idea in the moment? That doesn't mean you're weak — it means you're a deep thinker. People who take their time to process things often end up asking the most thoughtful, powerful questions later on. The world needs more reflective minds like yours.
The key is to trust your own pace. If ideas don't flow naturally in the moment, that's okay. One trick is to mentally give yourself permission to follow up after conversations. You can always shoot a message or email like, "Hey, I was reflecting on what we discussed earlier, and something came to mind..." That shows you're genuinely engaged — not just trying to say something for the sake of saying something.
Now, about that voice you're working on — Anthony nailed it when he said it takes time to find your voice, just like a musician tuning their instrument. But here's a little secret: confidence in your voice doesn't come from having the perfect tone or the smartest words — it comes from believing what you have to say matters.
One of the best ways to strengthen both your voice and your mind is to become obsessed with curiosity. Read, listen to podcasts, watch TED Talks, follow thought leaders in your field — not to memorize facts, but to spark questions inside you. The more curious you are, the more natural those questions will flow in conversations.
And if you're still worried about coming up with ideas in the moment — here's a little cheat code: become the best listener in the room. People love when someone genuinely listens to them. When you don't know what to say, try asking open-ended questions like:
"That's really interesting — what made you think of that?"
"How did you come to that conclusion?"
"What would you say is the biggest challenge with that?"
Questions like these aren't just filler — they're the secret sauce that makes conversations feel alive.
And if you're ever doubting yourself in a meeting, just remember: even the quietest voice in the room can carry the most weight when it speaks with intention.
Keep leaning into that curiosity, give yourself permission to process things at your own rhythm, and never forget — your voice has value exactly as it is, even while you're still finding it.
You've got this, Bernadette! If you ever need help with conversation starters, public speaking tips, or even book or podcast recommendations to boost your confidence, I'm totally here for it. The world needs more thoughtful minds like yours.
All the best and good luck, you got this! 😎
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1058
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Transforming your difficulty with generating questions and speaking confidently into a strength requires deliberate practice and a strategic approach. Begin by preparing thoroughly before important conversations. Research the meeting topic and develop 3-5 thoughtful questions in advance. This preparation creates a safety net and builds your confidence. Over time, this practice will help you develop the ability to generate questions more spontaneously.
Communication skills improve significantly with regular practice. Consider joining Toastmasters or a similar public speaking group where you can practice in a supportive environment. Record yourself speaking and listen critically to identify areas for improvement in your voice projection, pacing, and clarity. Working with a speech coach or taking voice lessons can also provide personalized guidance for developing a more commanding presence.
Active listening is a powerful technique that can transform your conversational abilities. When you focus intently on what others are saying rather than worrying about what to say next, insightful questions often emerge naturally. This approach shifts your attention outward, reducing self-consciousness and anxiety.
Try reframing your perspective on these interactions. Instead of viewing conversations with superiors as evaluations, approach them as opportunities for mutual learning. This mindset shift can reduce pressure and allow your natural curiosity to emerge.
Your awareness of this weakness is actually an advantage. Many people with poor communication skills lack this self-awareness. By acknowledging the area you want to improve, you've already taken the crucial first step toward transformation. With consistent practice and the right strategies, your current weakness can evolve into one of your most valuable professional assets.
Communication skills improve significantly with regular practice. Consider joining Toastmasters or a similar public speaking group where you can practice in a supportive environment. Record yourself speaking and listen critically to identify areas for improvement in your voice projection, pacing, and clarity. Working with a speech coach or taking voice lessons can also provide personalized guidance for developing a more commanding presence.
Active listening is a powerful technique that can transform your conversational abilities. When you focus intently on what others are saying rather than worrying about what to say next, insightful questions often emerge naturally. This approach shifts your attention outward, reducing self-consciousness and anxiety.
Try reframing your perspective on these interactions. Instead of viewing conversations with superiors as evaluations, approach them as opportunities for mutual learning. This mindset shift can reduce pressure and allow your natural curiosity to emerge.
Your awareness of this weakness is actually an advantage. Many people with poor communication skills lack this self-awareness. By acknowledging the area you want to improve, you've already taken the crucial first step toward transformation. With consistent practice and the right strategies, your current weakness can evolve into one of your most valuable professional assets.
Kristina Du
Enterprise Technology Solutions Associate at PwC
50
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
That’s a great mindset to have—turning weaknesses into strengths takes practice and strategy. To get better at generating questions and ideas in conversations, prepare ahead of time by researching the topic and noting key points you can bring up. Actively listen during conversations so you can build on what’s being said rather than feeling pressured to come up with something completely new. A good way to practice is by writing down potential questions before meetings and reflecting afterward on how you could improve. As for developing a strong voice, confidence comes with practice and experience—try speaking slower, maintaining good posture, and practicing out loud to get more comfortable. Over time, with consistent effort, you’ll notice yourself feeling more natural and engaged in conversations!
Bright Komor
Nurse
260
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
To turn a weakness into a strength, it's essential to prepare, actively listen, use question starters, keep a journal, learn to reframe information, practice in low-pressure situations, and develop a stronger voice. Preparation involves researching topics, brainstorming questions, reviewing relevant documents, and actively listening. Focusing on understanding your superiors' perspectives and identifying key points can help you formulate questions. Practicing in low-pressure situations builds confidence. Developing a stronger voice involves practicing speaking clearly and confidently, building confidence, maintaining good body language, and expressing opinions respectfully. Speaking up and seeking feedback from trusted colleagues or mentors can help improve communication. A mindset shift involves embracing vulnerability, focusing on value, and replacing negative thoughts with positive affirmations. It's important to be patient and consistent in small, consistent steps to make significant progress. By actively working on these areas, you can transform perceived weaknesses into powerful strengths that will serve you well in your career.
Michael J Katz MD
Orthopedic Surgery
7
Answers
Palm Beach, Florida
Updated
Michael J’s Answer
Don't worry at all. Become an eager reader. Think of every subject like a tree. Read a lot to understand the main part (the trunk). Many people focus too much on small details (the leaves). Your deep understanding of the core will amaze everyone.
Increase Reading Morning and Evening
Michael J recommends the following next steps:
Carol Kosman
Technical Writer
1
Answer
Lompoc, California
Updated
Carol’s Answer
That's a very relevant question for any professional.
Being an active listener is a strength! You are able to take the time to really understand and absorb what the speaker is saying without being distracted.
Ideally, start small to build your confidence level and focus on speaking clearly and with conviction. Confidence is also communicated through body language, so maintain a positive demeanor!
If you know what you're going to be talking about beforehand, it may help to do a little research ahead of time, and write down a few questions or discussion points. If you are struggling with a response, a possible strategy to keep the conversation going is to ask them clarifying questions, for example: "Can you elaborate on that?" Or practice some Q&A scenarios (out loud, either recorded or with friends/family), for example: "If they say X, I can respond with Y".
If it's a sit-down meeting, taking notes on key points may help you to craft follow-up questions. Remember that not every idea needs to be groundbreaking! Overall, your superiors are talking to you because they value your perspective, so you shouldn't worry about saying the "perfect" thing.
Being an active listener is a strength! You are able to take the time to really understand and absorb what the speaker is saying without being distracted.
Ideally, start small to build your confidence level and focus on speaking clearly and with conviction. Confidence is also communicated through body language, so maintain a positive demeanor!
If you know what you're going to be talking about beforehand, it may help to do a little research ahead of time, and write down a few questions or discussion points. If you are struggling with a response, a possible strategy to keep the conversation going is to ask them clarifying questions, for example: "Can you elaborate on that?" Or practice some Q&A scenarios (out loud, either recorded or with friends/family), for example: "If they say X, I can respond with Y".
If it's a sit-down meeting, taking notes on key points may help you to craft follow-up questions. Remember that not every idea needs to be groundbreaking! Overall, your superiors are talking to you because they value your perspective, so you shouldn't worry about saying the "perfect" thing.
Anthony Heller
Senior Interior Designer
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Stop thinking of ideas to give your superiors. Everything has already been invented and they have probably already heard of or thought of the idea you are formulating. The only stupid question is a question unasked. Unless you're in New York City, and then you're expected to show up with all the answers which are subsequently rejected. A good voice comes with time, just the way a violinist doesn't find their voice until they've played their instrument for 10,000 hours. To improve your voice, listen to voices you like - lectures, choral performances, interviews, new casts. Whatever you want to listen to, listen closely and emulate it.
Stop thinking you need to have all the answers. The answers aren't within you, they're out there in the world waiting to be found. So go meet people and start talking to them.
Stop thinking you need to have all the answers. The answers aren't within you, they're out there in the world waiting to be found. So go meet people and start talking to them.
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
480
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
You have asked a question that I suspect is relevant to many people, so good for you. And Carol has given you sound advice. A few more thoughts:
- Underscoring Carol's point about preparation. It is difficult to predict exactly how the conversation will go so you may not use your scripted thoughts. But the act of writing down will solidify your thinking so it will easier to make comments.
- There are many ways to share your best thinking and people have different communication preferences. If you feel uncomfortable talking in the moment but have something to contribute, tell them that you will send a follow-up email or Slack post with your ideas. Or share relevant articles / posts later, with explanations of their relevance to the topic, to show your follow through and interest level.
- Some managers are better than others in encouraging their direct reports to speak up in meetings. Even much later in my career, I have had managers who openly displayed impatience and talked over me regularly. In private, I was able to pinpoint these behaviors and the effect they had on me. It helped for a while until their natural tendencies kicked in again. If you are uncomfortable talking directly with your manager, you might be able to get coaching from Human Resources or HR might be able to subtly encourage different behaviors from your manager. If you are affected, chances are that others are also.
As you gain knowledge and confidence in your field, it will be easier to generate questions and ideas. And I suspect your managers would know that. Good luck!
Happify - https://www.happify.com/hd/get-more-comfortable-speaking-up-at-work/
- Underscoring Carol's point about preparation. It is difficult to predict exactly how the conversation will go so you may not use your scripted thoughts. But the act of writing down will solidify your thinking so it will easier to make comments.
- There are many ways to share your best thinking and people have different communication preferences. If you feel uncomfortable talking in the moment but have something to contribute, tell them that you will send a follow-up email or Slack post with your ideas. Or share relevant articles / posts later, with explanations of their relevance to the topic, to show your follow through and interest level.
- Some managers are better than others in encouraging their direct reports to speak up in meetings. Even much later in my career, I have had managers who openly displayed impatience and talked over me regularly. In private, I was able to pinpoint these behaviors and the effect they had on me. It helped for a while until their natural tendencies kicked in again. If you are uncomfortable talking directly with your manager, you might be able to get coaching from Human Resources or HR might be able to subtly encourage different behaviors from your manager. If you are affected, chances are that others are also.
As you gain knowledge and confidence in your field, it will be easier to generate questions and ideas. And I suspect your managers would know that. Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps: