Articles · Self-Advocacy
How to Say “I Need More Clarity”
Useful phrases for asking about priorities, deadlines, and definition of done.
Shared Language editorial team
Published · Updated · 2 min read
Why this matters
Asking for clarity can prevent mistakes, rework, and stress.
Useful phrases
Try:
- What does done look like?
- What is the priority if I cannot complete everything?
- Who is the audience for this?
- What should I do first?
Name the missing piece
A broad “I am confused” can be hard for someone else to answer. Point to the choice you cannot make: the audience, scope, priority, deadline, or approval step. For example, “Should this be a one-page recommendation for the director, or a detailed guide for the team?” The two options make the uncertainty visible without requiring a long explanation of why you need clarity.
Offer a starting assumption
If you can move forward safely, say what you plan to do while waiting: “I will outline the one-page version first. Please tell me if the longer guide is needed.” Do not use this approach for a decision that needs explicit authorization; identify that dependency and ask who can resolve it instead.
Keep the answer somewhere useful
Once the expectation is clear, put it in the shared task note or send a brief recap. This is especially useful when several people are involved. If the request changes later, update the same record so you are not left comparing conflicting messages. The goal is one usable answer, not repeated reassurance about an unstated target.
Try this next
Before starting a new assignment, ask about deadline, priority, and definition of done.