Learning how to say No

There will always be someone out there who’s going to ask you to do something that you’re not able to do or don’t have time to do. In an effort to please everyone, you may say yes. While this is honorable, it is also a recipe for increasing your stress and falling short of completing any obligation well.

So all might be better served if you just learn how to say no. How can you do that? Start with this advice:

• Don’t say anything when you’re on the spot. 
  Take some time to think it over. 
  
  
• Be direct.
  Tell the truth about why you can’t do what’s asked of you. There’s no need to make up what might be deemed a better reason. Don't feel obligated to explain.
  
  
• Keep it simple.
  Phrase your 'no' as simply as possible. Don't raise your voice or become upset, simply say that you cannot help this time.
  
  
• Be confident.
  When you say no, say it in a confident, well modulated voice.
  
  
• Be polite, but firm.
  Don’t build false hope about what you can do. Don’t say, “I’ll try.” You’ll just worry about squeezing the request into your schedule or how you’re going to say in the end that you didn’t get it done.

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