Apology & Diplomacy
How to politely decline a request
Saying no is a professional skill. A good decline is warm at the edges, clear in the middle, and leaves a door open where possible. Below is the shape it usually takes, plus a tool to draft one for you.
The shape of a good decline
1. Thank them for the ask. 2. Give a short, honest reason. 3. Decline clearly — no ambiguity. 4. Offer an alternative if you have one. 5. Close warmly.
Try it now
Free · no sign-up · English and Bahasa Indonesia.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to give a reason?
- A short one helps, but you do not owe a long explanation. 'I do not have capacity this week' is enough.
The tool behind this page
FormalizeTurn casual writing into polished professional text.More in Apology & Diplomacy
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