Turning down an invitation
Listen to these invitations from coworkers.
Saying no...
What is the best way to say ‘No’ to an invitation?
Pay attention to the four things you should do when you turn down an invitation.
Start with a smile and then…
|
Say thanks. |
Say that you can’t. (Use an apologetic tone.) |
Give a brief reason. |
Close on a friendly, positive note. |
|
Thank you for the invitation, but… Thanks for thinking of me, but… That is so kind of you, but… I appreciate the invite but… |
That sounds great, but I can’t make it / go. I’m afraid I can’t. Unfortunately, I already have plans. I would love to come, but… So sorry, I’ll have to take a rain check. |
It is my sister’s birthday that day. I have something else going on. The kids have a school event. We already have plans. We have a clash in our schedule. |
I would love to (catch up) another time. I will be thinking of you. Have fun! I hope it goes well. How about another time? |
Now listen to these people refusing invitations. Pause the video and repeat what you hear.
Listen for the four parts....
Listen to the audio and notice the way these speakers invite and decline an invitation. As you listen hold up your fingers to show which part you’re hearing:
| Say thanks. | Say that you can’t. | Give a brief reason. | End in a friendly, positive way. |
|---|---|---|---|
| If you hear someone saying ‘thanks’ (or expressing gratitude), put up one finger: | If you hear someone saying they can’t go, put up two fingers: | If you hear someone giving a reason, put up three fingers: | If you hear someone saying something friendly to close, put up four fingers: |
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