Here you ever been in a place where you desperately wanted to say Nor but said yes because Nor would have sounded rude? Let me assure you this is a common situation We want to say No but don’t know how to say that politely without hurting the other person’s feelings. We have often wondered if there are polite ways of saying “No” Say “No in an indirect way so we do not embarrass the person we are speaking to, and continue to have an easy relationship with them. Often it isn’t very kind to say Na-And it is better to be polite than to be direct. Now, this problem of finding the right words to say No to turn down a request to refuse to do the thing the other party is asking is to do gets worse when we write. When we speak we can smile and say No, yaar,” and perhaps shake hands over it When we write, we put across cold words. Try this Say No with a smile and write No on a piece of paper and show it to your friend When you say No with a smile. there is very possibility he/she will smile hack. When you show a paper with Nor written on it, he/she will not smile at all.
[1] Even when you speak, it is not always possible to smile. You want to say “No”, without making the listener feel offended.
Read these sentences. Can these be said without using the word “No”?
“No, we can’t go to the movie.” No, I can’t change the date of the meeting.” “No, I don’t want to see all 356 photos from your vacation.” Would you like to try these ways?
Informal conversations:
- Thank you for the invitation, but sorry, it is not possible.
- The food was delicious but I’ve already eaten too much.
- Not now but another time. Maybe we can go on Saturday?
- I’d like to go with you, but I have to complete my homework today
- I wish I could but unfortunately, I already have plans for that day. Maybe tomorrow?
- I don’t think I can ever do this!
Formal conversations:
- I’m sorry but we won’t be able to make those changes you want.
- I would love to/like to but there is a family function that evening.
- I’m afraid I’m not available on Friday
- I am sorry we wont be able to change the time of the meeting.
- I wish I could but am unable to help you in this matter.
- We appreciate the offer, but this is not a good time for us.
- I’m afraid I can’t meet you today. How about tomorrow?
[2] Sometimes you end up saying “Maybe”, instead of “No.” Unfortunately, people tend to take the “Maybe” as “Yes”, you want to do the thing, though you mean “No, I don’t want to do it.”
- So instead of saying “maybe”, use:
- Perhaps I can make it. Let me check my calendar.
- Perhaps another time. I am short of time now.
- I’m not sure if I can. Shall we talk about this later?
- Can I call you back on this?
[3] Saying “I can’t” also sounds rude. It sounds like you are admitting failure, instead of trying hard. On the other hand, people say, “Learn to say 1 can’t, instead of getting into sticky situations!” So, how do we say “I can’t” politely?
Try saying “not able to” or “unable to to soften the language.
- I’m not able to complete this project now, can I submit it tomorrow?
- I’m unable to meet you tomorrow. I’m sorry.
- I’m really sorry but I’m not able to come to your birthday party.
[4] A very tricky situation is when someone asks for help. If you are not able to do that for some good reason, how do you express it?
- I would love to help you, but ..
- I wish I could help you, but…
- Usually, I am one for helping others but.
- Normally I would say yes, but..
[5] When someone offers you something you definitely do not want.
- I appreciate the offer, but…
- That would be great, but…
- Thank you for the offer, but…
[6] Polite ways to say ‘no’ to an invitation:
- That sounds great, but…
- I’m sorry I can’t come that day/night. I have
- I really appreciate the invitation, but..
- I wish I could be there, but unfortunately…
- I know the party will be fun… but…
Picture Credit : Google
