How to Say No Effectively

Why it is so difficult to say ‘No’ :

Normally we don’t want to displease anybody. If that person is someone very important and influential then saying ‘no’ become that much harder. For instance, we do not want to say no to our senior or boss because we feel that would make bad impression. We feel we won’t be liked and there’s a strong need that we feel to please everyone. Another problem we face to say no is we think of the consequences of saying no and fear that. We do not want to face the situation that comes with saying ‘no’ to someone. Though sometimes we genuinely feel the need to say no because of inability to do the certain thing for whatever reason may be. Some people say ‘no’ only to prove themselves important and needed. The point is whatever scenario may be we can’t avoid to say ‘No’. This is inevitable.

But you have to set your boundaries and should know clearly when and how to say no to others. Saying no to your family, friends, co-workers is certainly a uncomfortable thing but when you have to say it – you just say it without any feelings of guilt.

Here’s a list of three most important points:

Courage And Consideration: For saying no to someone, you need to build your courage. Courage you need for yourself. When you decide to say no because there’s no other option and you feel to say it but afraid of disappointing someone by saying no, courage you need to face the situation and let your feeling know. Consideration you need for others. Think before you say no. You should take need of others in to consideration before react. It might not change your decision but it will prepare and allow you to send the message across in a respectful way and more strongly. This will also help you to take your time and make decision.

Be Honest To Yourself: Often we depend on others opinion. But in the end we land up in lots of trouble. So try to be honest with yourself. Think what you want to say and why. Remember if you say – yes, that means doing yes. There’s no other way. Likewise, if you say no – then stick to it. So before you say ‘no’ consider everything, ask to yourself, and if you don’t feel to say yes then say no with authority and politely. If you are dealing with demanding people, don’t be pressurised by them. Be firm to your reply. To avoid the pushy situation you can cleverly buy time. Just say “let me think about it and get back to you.”

Be Confident: If you have decided to say ‘No’ then say it with confidence. Mind your body language. Stay calm and firm. Say no with a assertive tone, do not show any kind of weakness or hesitation in your voice. Don’t be unnecessarily meek and please don’t say know with any kind of excuses. If you do that people, will think you are not in the control of your decision and can push you to change it. No apology is needed as you are saying for your own good. Just show some seriousness when you say ‘No’.

Remember saying yes and doing nothing will not do a favour to your image.  Saying no and doing yes means you are not certain of your words and people will doubt you. It’s best when you say no and stick to it. This is genuine and by doing this you can send a message that you can keep your word.

Of course, saying ‘No’ is not the ultimate thing. That’s why you need to know when, why and how to say ‘no’. But before making any commitment, make sure you know all the facts and decide. Remember the decision of saying ‘No’ is strictly your choice.