Strategies

• 1). Don't be defensive in giving your answer. You don't need to defend the fact that the offer presented to you is not in line with what you want to do. Don't feel like the other person has control of the situation. It's possible to respond in a way that turns the exchange into a discussion rather than an argument.
  
  
• 2). Be definite in your decision and your delivery. If you give the person an unclear message or a false hope, he may be even more disappointed. Once you've given your "no," stick to it no matter how the other person reacts.
  
  
• 3). Be aware of the tone in your voice. Remain calm and talk to the person as if you were having a conversation about the weather. Try to keep an upbeat attitude while giving your answer.
  
  
• 4). Compliment the offer or request and then clearly state your "no." For example, if your friend asks you to help her handcraft her wedding invitations, you could say, "I'm flattered you think I'm creative enough to pull off such an important job, but I'm not going to be able to help out."
  
  
• 5). Don't make up false excuses. Trying to create a complicated story on the spot will make the other person angry and may eventually lead to you caving in and saying "yes." If the person presses for a reason, simply tell her you have another commitment and leave it at that.