Ask questions via twitter! Message any question to @answers on twitter. We'll publish the question and send you a reply each time there's a new answer.
Next Question

Answered Question

davepamn davepamn
 

Mahalo is adding a tip to all questions that don't offer a tip.
 M¢25  Funded By Mahalo ? |  November 11, 2009 08:08 AM

How do you say "No" without verbally saying the word?

Give some examples of how to say "No", indirectly
Interesting Question?  Yes (0)   No (0)   
RSS
 
 

Best Answer  Chosen by Asker

mithrandir mithrandir
 
 November 11, 2009 11:31 AM
You can do what many foreigners (Indians, Chinese, Japanese etc) do: Say 'Yes' and and act 'No' . They'll figure it out eventually!

There are many, many concrete ways to effectively say 'no', like
''I would love to help out, but I currently have some high priority tasks. If you could email me details, deadline and importance, I'll discuss it with my boss''
I love this one, to tell to your boss: "My time is fully booked. I'd be happy to do this when you let me know which other tasks don't need to be done or can be delayed"
I copied that last one from http://www.time-management-central.net/how-to-say-no.html, but have used it in practice many times with much success!

Asker's Rating:
• I think you send a positive message but communicate the mesage "No"


Helpful Answer?  (1)   (0)   

Helpful: davepamn

Tip mithrandir for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
davepamn davepamn
 
November 12, 2009 02:26 AM
Yes in India can mean "No" or "Yes". You have to be extremely careful because noone says "No" directly.

Report
 
 
davepamn davepamn
 
November 12, 2009 02:42 AM
I looking for soft communication for saying "No" indirectly. Some people think hand gestures are the most affective way to say no. Can soft statements say "No" without offense. Can a certain look say, "no" without causing offense?

Report
 
 

Other Answers (3)

Sort By
unwirklich unwirklich
 
November 11, 2009 08:31 AM
I'd say the obvious answer is to shake your head no.

A wonderful example.. my son before biffing it.. telling me no for a whole 3 seconds lol...

Torsten says no

Unwirklich | MySpace Video

Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip unwirklich for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
unwirklich unwirklich
 
November 11, 2009 08:35 AM
Urg.. that appears to be the best i can do getting a myspace video to appear. :(

Report
 
 
davepamn davepamn
 
November 12, 2009 02:27 AM
What are softer approaches to saying No without offending people?

Report
 
 
unwirklich unwirklich
 
November 12, 2009 05:37 AM
I think being forward about your stance is the softest approach. you could pussy foot around it, make excuses but in the long run no is no. Personally I'd prefer someone just say or gesture no, not try to find an unoffensive way to do so. That seems a bit pointless.

I suppose I realize that wasn't the answer you were looking for, but, it's my answer.

Report
 
 
davepamn davepamn
 
November 12, 2009 03:02 PM
What message are you communication to the person with your approach? Are you communicating, "I don't think much about you"?

Report
 
 
jonathan78... jonathan78...
 
November 11, 2009 09:05 AM
shake your head :)
Source(s):
me


Tags: no

Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip jonathan789 for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
trinifigue... trinifigue...
 
November 12, 2009 12:22 AM
Ways to say "No" without verbally saying the word.
1.You move your head from left to right.
2.You move the finger that you usually use when you want to point at something, from left to right.
3.You give the person the look that you give somebody when you are about to say no.

Helpful Answer?  (0)   (0)    Tip trinifigueroa for this answer
Permalink | Report
   Reply  
 
 
davepamn davepamn
 
November 12, 2009 02:25 AM
What are some subtle approaches?

For example, suppose you have a friend that does not swear. People around him, feel he is better than them and envy his control. You might say, "Some people think swearing demonstrates lack of communication quality control. I like people, who don't swear." Your saying "No, I disagree", but in a soft communication that does not offend the person.

Report
 
 

Answer this Question

How tips and payments work

This question has already been resolved. You may add an answer to it but you will not be eligible to win best answer or any associated tips.

Related Questions

View All Society & Culture Questions

Ask a Question


140 characters left
Top of Page
Buy Mahalo Dollars with Credit Card or PayPal

Top Members

This Week All Time
  • buddawiggi
    buddawiggi
    2nd Degree Black Belt
    26207 Points
    M$761.64 Earned
  • kty2777
    kty2777
    Purple Belt
    4930 Points
    M$188.41 Earned
  • opher
    opher
    Purple Belt
    3450 Points
    M$146.42 Earned
   See All
 

Most Popular Tags

mahalo(1531)
twitter(938)
iphone(458)
music(448)
google(341)
food(303)
internet(296)
online(282)
beer(275)
money(256)
facebook(248)
apple(247)
movies(239)
aotd(235)
answers(215)
health(205)
video(199)
free(198)
dog(198)
windows(194)
   See All
 

Categories

Welcome New Members


 
 
Mahalo Dollars are the currency of Mahalo Answers.

Each Mahalo Dollar costs $1.

Once you earn more than 40 Mahalo Dollars, you can request to be paid via PayPal. Each Mahalo Dollar is currently worth $0.75 when paid out via PayPal. Learn More

 
 

Please log in to use this function.

Answers Home | Ask a Question | Earn Points | How Tips Work | Widget