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Summer Salutations!
I hope you're enjoying the final days of summer.
Recently, I've been hearing people complaining...not about the summer coming to an end, but about how they got "talked into" doing things they really did NOT want to do.
WHY? Because they didn't know how to decline the opportunity without offending.
That prompted me to focus this edition of the What Do You Say Communique' on How to Say NO...Nicely!
You'll find some possible phrases below to use when you receive offers you want to refuse.
PLUS...this edition of the Communique' includes an opportunity for you to share your favorite summer highlights!
All the best,
Professional Speaker & Author
"Helping People Work Together...Better!"
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My favorite ways to say NO fall into the three categories below. Choose the phrases--or a combination of phrases--that work best for you! (Note: Avoid making excuses)
1. Compliment + NO
"I appreciate your thinking of me, however I'm going to opt out."
"Thanks for the opportunity, however I'm not able to pursue it."
"This sounds like a great project, yet I won't be able to participate.
"I'm flattered that you'd ask me out, but I'm going to pass."
"Thank you, but my plate is full."
2. Empathy + NO
"I know you need help with this, however I'm not available."
"I wish I could assist you, however I'm not able to."
"I'm not able to attend, but would love to help in another way."
"I know you're swamped with work, unfortunately I'm not able to help."
"You've worked hard on this committee; however I won't be able to join."
"I've chosen to pass on that offer."
"That's not on my radar right now."
"That doesn't work for me."
"I'm not feelin' it."
(By the way, category #3 also works well when someone replies with WHY!??? You say: "That just doesn't work for me." or "I'm just not feelin' it.")
Guilt-Free YES
If you must say YES, do it without guilt...set conditions and parameters that work for you!
"I'd be happy to get that info to you, if can wait until tomorrow"
"Boss, I'd love to get that project done for you. Please let me know its priority in relation to the other assignments"
"I'll get that done for you as soon as I finish what I'm working on."
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For more information on saying NO nicely, read Chapter 5: An Offer You Can Refuse, in Sarita's book "If You Can't Say Something Nice, What DO You Say?"
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Click on photo below to view past editions of the
What Do You Say Communique' in the Archives.
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