How do I tell someone that their instructions still leave me unsure what to do?

Start by showing what you did understand, then name the exact point where you are stuck. Avoid saying only “I’m confused” or “That wasn’t clear”; those phrases can leave the other person guessing about what needs clarification.

Try this structure:

1. “I understand that you want me to [agreed task or outcome].”
2. “I’m unsure about [one specific choice or detail].”
3. “Could you clarify [the decision you need]?”

For example: “I understand that you’d like me to prepare a short update for Thursday. I’m unsure whether you want the update to cover this week’s progress only or include the risks for next month too. Which would be more useful?” This makes it clear that you have listened and are asking about a particular gap, not rejecting the assignment.

Separate the instruction into the parts you can repeat back: the outcome, the audience, the deadline, and any constraints or required format. You do not need to ask about every part—just use this breakdown to notice where your understanding stops.

For instance, you might know the deliverable is a slide deck and the audience is a project group, but not know whether you are expected to recommend an option or present the options neutrally. That is a useful clarification to ask. If several details remain open, name the two or three that would change how you do the work, then ask about those first.

A quick prompt to yourself is: “I can confidently start on ____. Before I do, I need to know ____ because it affects ____.” If you cannot yet fill in the middle, explain what you have understood and ask the person to confirm the intended outcome.

You can adapt this message:

“Thanks—I understand that you’d like me to [task] for [audience or purpose] by [deadline]. I’m still unsure about [specific detail]. Should I [option A] or [option B]? I’m asking so I can focus the work in the right direction.”

Worked example: “Thanks—I understand that you’d like me to prepare a project update for Friday’s review. I’m still unsure whether to include only completed work or also the open issues. Should I cover both? I’m asking so I can set the right scope.”

Keep the options short and genuinely distinct. If neither option captures what you need to know, replace them with an open question such as, “What should the update help the group decide?” You can also ask in person; the same sequence works aloud. Use the wording that fits your relationship and workplace rather than copying it mechanically.

Make the decision point and timing visible, without implying that the other person is at fault. For example: “I can start outlining the update now. Before I finalize it, could you confirm whether it should include open issues? If you’re tied up, I can draft both sections and label the open issues as optional.” Only suggest a fallback you can reasonably carry out and that would not create unwanted work or risk.

If the answer affects a deadline, say so plainly: “I need this choice by [time] to finish [next step] by [deadline].” If you receive a reply, briefly restate the decision: “Got it—I’ll include completed work and open issues, and keep it to one page.” That gives both of you a chance to catch a mismatch before you continue. If the instructions involve a decision you are not authorized to make, ask who should decide rather than guessing.