How to Say No to People: 5 Helpful Tips

Still, have a hard time saying no? Here’s an excerpt from an article from Indeed, How To Nicely Say “No”

1. “Unfortunately, I have too much to do today. I can help you another time.”
2. “I’m flattered by your offer, but no thank you.”
3. “That sounds fun, but I have a lot going on at home.”
4. “I’m not comfortable doing that task. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
5. “Now isn’t a good time for me. I’ll let you know if my schedule frees up.”
6. ” Sorry, I have already committed to something else. I hope you understand.”
7. “No, I won’t be able to fit that into my schedule this week.”
8. “I would love to join you, but I’m feeling a little overwhelmed with work right now.”
9. “I’m not taking on any other work right now. Maybe check with another department?”
10. “Thank you for thinking of me, but I do not wish to accept your offer.”
11. “Sadly, I cannot help with that. I’m not qualified for that type of work.”
12. “The timing right now isn’t good. Can you keep me in mind for next time?
13. “How about you try it on your own first, and then I can help you?”
14. “I know this isn’t the answer you wanted, but I cannot accept your offer.”
15. “I enjoyed helping you last time, but I am too busy to assist you right now.”
16. “Thanks, but I’m all good. I appreciate the offer.”
17. “I’m not interested this time. I’m sure someone else would love the opportunity.”
18. “No, sorry. I need to prioritize my family right now.”
19. “I’ve been feeling too busy at work lately. I will have to decline this time.”
20. “I’ve had a negative experience with that before, so I’ll have to decline.”
21. “I’ve done that a million times before. Let’s give someone else a chance to try.”
22. “I feel honored by you asking me this question, but I still have to say ‘no’ this time.”
23. “How thoughtful of you. I appreciate your offer, but this time I’m simply too busy with work.”
24. “I’m not the right fit for this task. I can help you think of someone else to ask.”
25. “Unfortunately, that’s just not possible. It won’t work out this time.”
26. “That sounds so exciting, but we’ll have to wait for another time.”
27. “Are you sure you want me to do that? I would rather not, but I appreciate you asking.”
28. “That’s not the right choice for you, let’s look at this one instead.”
29. “I really shouldn’t this time, but thank you.”
30. “Let me get back to you, but I’m not confident about it working out.”
31. “This task doesn’t align with my own principles. Could we change what I need to do?”
32. “I told myself I wouldn’t do that again. Thanks for respecting my decision.”
33. “No, thank you. I would appreciate it if you accepted my choice.”
34. “I know that’s challenging for you, but I don’t have the capacity to help you at the moment.”
35. “I can’t help, but I have some resources I can forward to you.”
36. “Out of respect to my privacy, I hope you can understand my answer is no.”
37. “I’ve been spending too much money lately, can I join you after our next paycheck?”
38. “I’m low on cash right now. Can we do something that’s free?”
39. “I would love to help, but I have too much going on. Best of luck with your endeavors.”
40. “I’ve actually changed my mind. I no longer can help you. Sorry for the inconvenience this may cause.”
41. “Unfortunately, I cannot say ‘yes’ this time. I wish you luck in finding someone who can.”
42. “I don’t feel comfortable with you asking me that. Can you please refrain from doing so in the future?”
43. “How about instead of me doing that, I help you with something else?”
44. “This deal doesn’t feel right to me. I’m going to have to decline this time.”
45. “This doesn’t seem like a healthy decision for me. I will have to regretfully decline.”
46. “Agreeing to this would go against what I believe in. Thank you for being understanding of that.”
47. “I can’t because my own team needs me.”
48. “I’m afraid I can’t. Let’s discuss this another time.”
49. “I’m going to pass this time. Perhaps we can discuss this again next month.”
50. “This doesn’t fall under my job description. Please refer to our manager to learn who to ask.”