Imposter Syndrome Shows Up Loudest When We’re Asked to Speak

A woman working together with her colleagues on her computer. Photo by Yan Krukau on Pexels.

Imposter syndrome rarely shows up as a single thought. More often, it appears in moments of quiet restraint, choosing not to share an idea, second-guessing a question, or replaying conversations long after they end. In STEM and STEAM environments, where expertise is constantly visible, this silence can feel especially heavy.

For many women, imposter syndrome isn’t about competence. It’s about belonging. The pressure to sound polished, confident, and certain at all times can make speaking feel risky, particularly in spaces where representation is limited or feedback is scarce.

Learning how to communicate with structure and intention can shift this experience. When women develop tools to organize thoughts and manage nerves, speaking becomes less about proving worth and more about sharing perspective.

Intentional communication practice helps interrupt this cycle. Learning how to speak with structure and clarity can shift communication from something stressful to something steady. Workshops like the Speak in Confidence Bootcamp exist to support that process, offering guided practice in a low-pressure environment with more information available on Eventbrite for those curious about joining.