Ways to say “No”#
Interpersonal EffectivenessWeek 5Direct “No”#
For when the other person has a problem, but you don’t have to allow it to be yours too.
- Aim to say “no” without apologising.
- Act as if you’re dealing with a salesperson.
Reflecting “No”#
Reflect back the content & feeling of the request, with the refusal added to the end.
- “I know you’re looking forward to going the pub tonight but I can’t.”
Reasoned “No”#
Brief, genuine reason for refusal.
- “I can’t come to the pub because I don’t have any money.”
Rain-check “No”#
“No” to the presented request, but giving room for negotiation.
- “I can’t come to the pub tonight, but I can when I get paid.”
Enquiring “No”#
Not a definite “no”, but a more direct prelude to negotiation."
- “Is there another time you’d like to go?”
Broken record “No”#
Simple statement of refusal over & over again.
- A: “No I can’t come to the pub tonight”
- B: “Oh go on”
- A: “No I can’t come to the pub tonight”