There IS such a thing as a stupid question

Let’s get something straight: the idea that “there’s no such thing as a stupid question” is a lie. It’s the kind of nonsense that gets thrown around to make people feel better about being lazy or unprepared. But in the real world, asking stupid questions will make you look incompetent, waste everyone’s time, and signal that you haven’t even put in the effort to read the material given to you in advance.

A stupid question is one that shows you haven’t put in the effort to understand the basics before opening your mouth. It’s the question that could’ve been answered with a quick Google search, a glance at the manual, or by using some common sense, and it’s ten times worse when the answer is in the material you’ve been given to read or watch in advance. Your piss poor preparation is now wasting everyone else’s time. It’s the kind of question that signals to everyone around you that you’re not paying attention, that you’re just plain lazy, or worse, you’re trying to be the wise-guy who just likes the sound of their own voice.

Here’s the thing: people respect those who respect their time. When you ask a stupid question, you’re essentially saying, “I didn’t care enough to think this through, so now you have to do the work for me.” You look like an idiot, and it’s not how you gain respect in any serious environment. Remember, when you’re asking a question publicly, the answer is given to the room, and nobody wants to waste time hearing things they already know just because you couldn’t be arsed to read the material or simply just like the sound of your own voice.

Now, does this mean you should never ask questions? Of course not. But before you ask, listen and think before you speak. Think about whether the answer is something you could find on your own. Consider if the question is relevant and if it’s the right time to ask it. And most importantly, make sure your question adds value to the conversation, not detracts from it.

People who ask smart, well-thought-out questions get noticed. They’re the ones who show they’re engaged, that they’re thinking ahead, and that they’re serious about what they’re doing. These are the people who get ahead, who earn the trust and respect of their peers, and who are seen as leaders. They’ve shown their ability to listen, and commitment to put in the effort by considering all of the information available, and patience to wait until all of the information has been delivered before they asked.

So yes, there is such a thing as a stupid question. It’s the question that has already been answered, that shows you’ve failed to even read the information given to you, or that wastes everyone’s time. Don’t be the person who asks those questions and disrespects the speaker and the rest of the audience. Be the person who thinks critically, who comes prepared, and who asks questions that matter. That’s how you earn respect and make an impact.