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Friday, March 29, 2024
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5 ways to Say No Politely

One of the most difficult part of being asked to do something is declining. Saying a flat NO worsens relationships, whether business or personal and yet, saying YES to everything isn’t possible all the time.

Very often, it is the choice of words that can make things go sour. There are ways to refuse politely without taking on things that you do not like. Here are 5 ways to say NO politely.

#1  Check your schedule

Check your schedule
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If someone approaches you asking for a favour just in time and immediate help, you can always decline saying you have to check your schedule if you are free or will be able to manage the task. You can say you are occupied with work then but if they had approached you some time before, something would have been possible.

#2  Ask for more information

This can be applied at both, home and office. Usually people will ask for some advice and help regarding a certain matter. You could stretch it and ask for more information to make an informed and better decision. Half of the time, you wouldn’t hear back from them. If they aren’t willing to commit their time and energy to it, why should you?

#3  Express Regret

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no thanks

This is actually quite easy. You can say you are not qualified enough for the said job or your plate is full. Or, you wouldn’t be able to give your best to a certain project right now. Make a statement of regret such as:

I am sorry, I would like to help you but…

I wish I could help you, but right now I am busy with …

I appreciate the offer, but right now I have to…

You get the idea, right? And hopefully, the other person will do too.

#4  Ask for more time

This could work in situations involving marriage and relationships. You can tell the person you need more time to analyse things in a better way. After all, long term commitment isn’t decided in minutes. Say you require time to understand the situation and if this is what you want for long term.

#5  Tell a white lie

white lies

Don’t want to go out with colleagues for lunch? Tell them your wife has packed amazing lunch (even though she hasn’t). We have all told white lies from time to time and if it can get you out of a situation without hurting others, they why not go for it? We don’t suggest telling lies at every possible situation but sometimes nothing else works and it can save you the trouble of finding excuses to refuse a certain project.

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