How To Decline An Invitation
One of the best ways to decline an invitation is to use a variation of “prior commitment” or “previous commitment” in your response.
I personally prefer “Unfortunately I have a conflict.”
These are some of the most tamper-proof ways to say No… if you don’t volunteer what the conflict or prior commitment is.
Here’s the tactic. Just say you have a prior commitment, express regret plus gratitude for being invited, and move on with the conversation or letter.
Only the most insistent will ask what the commitment or conflict is.
If they do, you can respond humorously by saying, “It’s a highly classified project that I’m working on for the CIA,” or something similarly outrageous.
I provide a complete script and example in my book “Time Tactics Of Very Successful People.” The relevant section is entitled “How To Say No.”
The reason this tactic is in a time management book is because you can lose a lot of time…a lot of your life, really…if you accept invitations that you shouldn’t accept.
And you can lose a lot of friends if you don’t know how to decline invitations gracefully.
Don’t get embarrassed using a spurious Lincoln quote. Every quotation in this book is authentic.
“This is a book to cherish and share.”—Bill Marriott, CEO, Marriott International, Inc.
“Not only does Griessman give us Lincoln quotes, but he also weaves each one into a little jewel of an essay on that particular subject.” Wayne C. Temple, renowned Lincoln scholar, Illinois State Archives
A stirring, inspirational treasury of quotations from our greatest and most admired president, the book offers rich material for interpretation, reflection, and spiritual guidance.
You will also enjoy Lincoln Speaks To Leaders by Gene Griessman and Pat Williams.
Don’t leave yet. You’re in a goldmine. Check out the great power phrases and unusual quotations. You’re already here. Why rush off?