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Confident Business English

274. How to Say NO to 23 Common Work Requests

Apr 2, 2025
Learn how to confidently say no to common workplace requests with practical phrases and interactive exercises. Discover effective strategies for maintaining professionalism while setting boundaries. The discussion emphasizes clear communication, asserting your needs, and practicing difficult conversations. Equip yourself with vocabulary to navigate refusals gracefully and strengthen your professional interactions.
13:06

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Quick takeaways

  • Practicing specific vocabulary and phrases helps professionals communicate refusal effectively while maintaining a diplomatic tone in the workplace.
  • Engaging in interactive exercises boosts confidence and language skills, enabling individuals to articulate boundaries when declining requests.

Deep dives

Mastering the Art of Saying No

Confidence in declining requests professionally is essential in the workplace. Various phrases can help convey a flat 'no' while maintaining a diplomatic tone, reassuring both you and your interlocutor. Examples include, 'I’m afraid that’s not possible at this stage' or 'Unfortunately, we can’t accommodate that request right now.' Practicing these phrases enables individuals to articulate their boundaries effectively, which can lead to more productive conversations in a business environment.

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