The Saying No Script Sheet

Every script on this sheet obeys these. So should every no you improvise.

• No essay: two sentences maximum, and the second one is optional.
• No fake maybe: a maybe you mean as no is a debt with interest.
• One offer max: you may add one alternative — a different time, a smaller version — never two.

Two of these rules protect the other person from a fake answer. All three protect you from a resentful yes.

Read your line out loud once before you send it. It is allowed to be that short.

Work nos travel best when they arrive fast. Send within the day, then stop.

• Extra work landing on your desk: “I can't take this on right now. Thanks for thinking of me.”
• A favor you don't have in you: “I'm not able to help with this one.”
• The pushy repeat ask: “Like I said, it's a no — but I hope it works out.”
• A deadline you can't meet: “I can't do it by Friday. The honest date is the week after.”
• A “quick call” you can't take: “I can't do calls this week — email works.”

• An invitation: “Thanks for inviting me — I'm sitting this one out.”
• A money ask: “I'm not in a position to lend money. I hope you sort it.”
• Family: “That doesn't work for me this time. I love you, and it's still no.”
• A group thing you keep dreading: “I'm stepping back from this one. Have a great time.”
• The recurring favor: “I need to stop being the person for this. Nothing is wrong — I'm just done.”

The no is sent; the job now is leaving it alone.

• Do not re-read it. Do not add a follow-up paragraph.
• If they push, repeat the same line nearly word for word — new wording is new negotiation surface.
• If guilt shows up, let it. It leaves on its own, usually within the hour.
• If the honest answer is yes-but-later, name the later: “Not this month — ask me again in March.” That is a real answer, not a maybe.