How To Say No

Dragons guarding strange statues in the strange garden of the Red General in Hsinchu, Taiwan. Taken on the 27th of January 2007 with a Nikon D200 and a 18-35mm lens. Part of the Red General Series 1.

When dealing with other professionals in a professional setting, you will have to say no at some point.

I love the page thanks, but no.

However, this might not be the best way of approaching the subject matter.

In business as well, you need to be able to say no. For people who aren’t used to it, it is hard. I have seen people get into the ‘fight or flight’ mode when dealing with those types of situation. The easiest way of doing it, is to do it.

It might seem easier to avoid it, to dodge that annoying call, to not deal with it right away.

However, this will bite you in the ass at some point or later.

Best deal with the situation right away, in a concise and precise manner.

1. Be calm and neutral. Do not appear agitated or over enthusiastic. The person you will be dealing with might sense something is wrong.
2. Do not give unnecessary compliments. Compliments are fine and dandy when you are talking to your loved ones or your friends, but stay away from them when dealing with a serious situation.
3. Do not give false hope of a yes. Most people when trying to say no, will almost say yes. This comes from the fact that they have a hard time saying no. Just stay on target and say what’s what.
4. Keep it short. There is no point in making the conversation any longer than it has to. Keep it as short as possible, without appearing rude.
5. Cut the small talk. There is no point in iddle small talk if you are going to say no, you are just avoiding the subject if you are doing it.
6. Be as clear as possible about the no. Make sure that the other person understands that this means no, and that there is no chance of the no becoming a yes in the future.

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