A kinder way to say “this is all over the place”
Why it can fall flat
“this is all over the place”
Someone reads a messy draft, plan or set of notes and blurts it out, but it sounds like a verdict on the person and names nothing to fix. Usually the writer wants clearer structure, focus or priorities.
Say this instead
- 01
I'm struggling to follow the main thread here. Could you cut it to three key points and put them in a clear order?
Someone you manage · Chat
Fits drafts or updates from someone you manage, since it names the problem and offers a concrete fix.
- 02
There's a lot of good material here, but I can't see the structure yet. Could we agree an outline before you go further?
Coworker · Chat
Handy when a peer's draft lacks focus and you want to steer early without criticizing their effort.
- 03
Hi Lakshmi, the project plan currently has competing priorities and some tasks without clear owners. Could we take 15 minutes this week to set the order of work?
Boss · Email
Lets you raise a messy plan with a manager by pointing to specific gaps and proposing a short meeting.
- 04
Thanks for sending the brief. It points in a few directions at once, so could you tell me the one outcome that matters most?
Client · Email
Helps with a scattered client request, because it asks them to set the priority instead of blaming them.
- 05
Your notes jump between topics and I couldn't follow them. Can you send a short list of the key decisions before the 3pm call?
Coworker · SMS
Suits a quick, time-bound nudge when someone's notes are unclear and you need a cleaner version soon.
- 06
Hi Casey, your report has useful findings, but the order makes it hard to follow. Please restructure it as problem, findings, recommendation and send it back by Thursday.
Someone you manage · Email
Best when you need a rewrite with a clear template and a deadline while still acknowledging what works.
- 07
The role description seems to mix several different jobs. Could you tell me which responsibilities are the core of this position?
Recruiter / HR · Chat
Lets you question a muddled job description without coming across as negative about the company.
- 08
To help sort this out, could we take your issues one at a time? Which one is the most urgent for you right now?
Customer · Email
Useful when a customer lists many problems at once, since it brings order without dismissing any of them.
Examples
Hi Priscilla, Thanks for sharing the launch plan. I can see a lot of work has gone into it, but the timeline and the task list point in different directions, so I can't tell what comes first. Could you put the steps in order with one owner per step? I'm happy to go through it with you on Wednesday morning. Thanks, Blake
Hey Duncan, I read the proposal twice and I'm still not sure what the main ask is. Could you open with a two-line summary and then group the rest under three headings?
What to avoid
- Calling the person disorganized or careless; describe the document or plan instead.
- Giving the verdict with no next step leaves people guessing, so always say what you want changed.
- Vague words like messy or confusing help little unless you point to a specific section.
- Group channels are a poor place for this feedback, since others can see it.