It’s good to talk: Finding clarity with Copilot

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Have you ever had a moment where just explaining your idea to someone else made the solution click? That moment of clarity often comes not from their feedback, but from organising your own thoughts as you explain. This phenomenon is so powerful that software developers even have a term for it: rubber duck debugging.

By Dom Beadle, Microsoft 365 Productivity Coach

The concept is simple - by explaining their code to an inanimate object (like a rubber duck), developers often uncover the issue themselves. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the act of verbalizing or structuring your thoughts is enough to move you forward.

And this principle isn’t just for debugging code. It works in everyday problem-solving, brainstorming, or even planning your next big idea. And now, we have a new kind of "rubber duck" to help us think - Copilot.

Talking to Copilot

When you explain your ideas to Copilot - whether it’s through a structured prompt or just typing out your thoughts - it helps you clarify what you’re trying to achieve. Sometimes, Copilot’s response gives you a fresh perspective or a practical next step. Other times, the magic lies in how you refine your input as you try to explain what you need. 

Top Tip: Use Windows Key + H to access voice typing mode.

The process can feel like having a conversation with a trusted colleague:

Unsure where to start? Ask Copilot to interview you and ask clarifying questions.
Need structure? Copilot organizes your scattered ideas into something coherent.
Stuck in a rut? Copilot’s suggestions can spark new directions.

Clarity through conversation

One of my favourite uses of Copilot is as a sounding board. For example, when I’m drafting a new plan or tackling a tricky project, I'll use Windows Key + H to dump all my thoughts into the chat and ask Copilot to analyse, organise, or challenge them. It doesn’t always get it perfect on the first try, but that’s the point - it’s a collaborative process.

Sometimes, it’s not even about what Copilot suggests - it’s about what I discover as I refine my input or evaluate its response. Like the rubber duck, Copilot doesn’t need to have all the answers to help you see your path forward.

It’s good to talk

We often think of Copilot as a tool to save time or automate tasks, and it is. But at its best, it’s also a partner in thinking - one that helps us articulate, refine, and improve our ideas. Next time you’re stuck on something, try explaining it to Copilot. You might be surprised how much clarity you gain by “talking” it out.