Commitment Vocabulary: The Language of Clarity vs. Vagueness

We’ve all heard it.

"I’ll get back soon." 

"At the earliest." 

"Shortly." 

"As soon as possible."

These are not commitments—they’re escape hatches.

They sound polite, but in reality, they delay accountability.

They’re vague, slippery, and sometimes even misleading.

Contrast that with:

• “Give me 2 hours.”

• “I’ll get back tomorrow.”

• “Would next week be fine?”

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The difference is sharp.

One set makes you chase.

The other gives you clarity.

And clarity is a sign of commitment.

Anecdote 1: The Vanishing Vendor

I once dealt with a vendor who would always reply, “Don’t worry sir, I’ll send it shortly.” Days would pass, follow-ups would pile up, and finally, I realized “shortly” in his dictionary meant “whenever I feel like it.” Needless to say, he lost the project.

“Vagueness is not politeness. It’s avoidance wrapped in courtesy.”

Anecdote 2: The Reliable Colleague

On the other hand, I had a colleague who would say, “I’ll send the draft by 4 pm. If delayed, I’ll message you by 3 pm itself.” He wasn’t just dependable—he became the go-to person for all critical projects. His clarity wasn’t just about deadlines; it became his personal brand.

“Clarity is remembered long after charisma is forgotten.”

Vagueness and Avoidance: Best Buddies

When you say “ASAP” or “soon,” you might think you’re buying goodwill.

In truth, you’re buying confusion. Vagueness and avoidance are best friends.

They stick together. Where one goes, the other follows.

Commitment, on the other hand, demands clarity.

Even if the answer is, “I can only do this by Friday,” it shows respect.

Respect for your own word and for the other person’s time.

“Your commitment vocabulary is your personal brand.”

Your CV Matters More Than You Think

When people talk about CV, they usually mean Curriculum Vitae.

But there’s another CV that’s equally—if not more—important:

Commitment Vocabulary.

Your CV (Commitment Vocabulary) tells the world who you really are—reliable, vague, or trustworthy.

And unlike the paper CV, this one isn’t printed—it’s experienced in every interaction.

“Your Commitment Vocabulary is the CV that people never forget.”

Practical Takeaway: Upgrade Your Vocabulary

Next time, instead of saying:

• “I’ll get back soon” → say “I’ll call you at 6 pm.”

• “Shortly” → say “Tomorrow morning before 10.”

• “ASAP” → say “I can do this within 3 days—will that work?”

  
  

Specificity builds trust. Vagueness erodes it.

Closing Thought

Your words are not just sentences; they are a mirror of your integrity.

People remember whether you delivered when you said you would.

And when you speak with clarity, you stand out in a world full of vague promises.

“Vagueness is a blur. Commitment is a brand.”

Want to sharpen your communication, credibility, and leadership presence? My Personal Coaching & Impactful Speaking Programme are designed to help professionals transform their communication—so their words build trust, influence, and authority. DM me or comment “clarity” to know more.