How to Explain Your Code While Writing It in an Interview

The scariest sound in a coding interview is silence.

You're typing away, solving the problem perfectly in your head, but the interviewer is staring at a screen of half-written code, wondering if you're stuck or just slow.

But talking while coding is hard. It requires multitasking that feels unnatural.

"If I talk, I can't think. If I think, I can't talk."

This guide gives you a structured rhythm to communicate effectively without crashing your brain.

TL;DR

• Don't narrate keystrokes. Say what you are doing logically, not syntactically.
• The Rhythm: Explain the block -> Write the block -> Review the block.
• Silence is okay for 10-15 seconds if you signal it: "Let me focus on this logic for a moment."
• Use "We" language: "We need to track the max..." invites the interviewer into your thought process.
• Practice: Use tools like LeetCopilot's Interview Mode to get used to the pressure.

The Golden Rule: Explain Logic, Not Syntax

Bad:

"Now I am writing a for loop. I equals zero. I is less than n. I plus plus."

Good:

"We'll iterate through the array to find the first negative number."

The interviewer knows Python/Java/C++. They don't need you to read the code to them. They need you to explain the intent.

The "Talk-Write-Talk" Rhythm

Don't try to talk and type simultaneously if it confuses you. Use this loop:

1. The Pre-Explanation (Talk)

Before you write a chunk of code (a function, a loop, a condition), state your goal.

"First, I'm going to handle the edge case where the input is empty."

2. The Execution (Write)

Type the code. It's okay to be quiet here for 5-10 seconds.
(Typing...)

3. The Post-Check (Talk)

Briefly confirm it does what you said.

"Okay, that returns -1 if nums is empty. Now for the main logic..."

Handling "Thinking Silence"

Sometimes you need deep focus. You can't talk. That's fine, but announce it.

Say:

"I need a moment to think through the index math here so I don't get an off-by-one error."

Then:
Think silently for 20 seconds.

Then:

"Got it. I need to start at index 1, not 0, because..."

This turns "awkward silence" into "professional focus."

What If You Get Stuck?

If you stop typing and stop talking, the interviewer assumes the worst.

Instead, think out loud:

"I'm realizing that a hash map might use too much space here. I was thinking of sorting, but that changes the time complexity to O(N log N). Is that trade-off acceptable?"

This shows you are evaluating trade-offs, not just freezing.

How to Practice This Skill

You can't learn this by reading. You have to do it.

1. Rubber Ducking: Put a rubber duck (or a mug) next to your laptop. Explain your LeetCode solution to it as you type.
2. Record Yourself: Record your screen and voice while solving an Easy problem. Watch it back. Do you sound confident? Is there too much dead air?
3. Mock Interviews: Use a platform or a friend.
4. AI Simulation: Tools like LeetCopilot's Interview Mode simulate an interviewer who watches your code. Practice explaining your logic in the chat or notes before you implement it.

FAQ

Q: What if I make a syntax error while talking?
A: Fix it and laugh it off. "Whoops, missed a semicolon." It shows you're human and relaxed.

Q: Should I ask the interviewer questions while coding?
A: Yes! "Does this variable name 'max_window' make sense to you?" It keeps them engaged.

Q: Is it better to be fast and silent, or slow and communicative?
A: Slow and communicative. A silent coder who solves it in 10 minutes often fails. A communicative coder who solves it in 15 minutes (or even gets 90% there) often passes.

Conclusion

Your goal isn't just to produce code. It's to give the interviewer confidence that you are a thoughtful, communicative engineer.

They want to know what it's like to pair program with you. If you explain your thoughts, handle silence gracefully, and treat them like a collaborator, you've already won half the battle.