Lesson 6 of 6

Negotiating and Saying No Diplomatically

Push back, negotiate and refuse without damaging relationships.

14 minLevel B2

Saying "no" directly can sound aggressive in American professional culture, but saying "yes" to everything gets you overloaded. Diplomatic language lets you protect your time, negotiate deadlines and salaries, and still sound like a great team player.

LearnThe key ideas

Diplomatic language

Direct (risky)Diplomatic
No, I can't do this.I'd love to help, but my plate is pretty full this week.
That deadline is impossible.That timeline might be a bit tight. Could we look at Friday instead?
Your price is too high.That's a little above our budget. Is there any flexibility?
I want more salary.Based on my experience and the market, I was hoping for something closer to...

Softening tools

Words like "a bit", "slightly", "might", "I'm afraid" and "I was hoping" soften a message without changing what it says. Offering an alternative ("I can't do Monday, but Wednesday works") turns a no into a solution.

ListenListen and repeat

  • My plate is pretty full right now.I'm too busy, said diplomatically.
  • Is there any flexibility on the price?Opening a negotiation.
  • I'm afraid that won't work for us.A polite no.
  • What if we tried...?Suggesting an alternative.

AvoidCommon mistakes

It's not possible.✓ I'm afraid that might be difficult. What if we...?Soften and offer an option.
Saying yes, then missing the deadline✓ Negotiate the deadline up frontHonest pushback builds trust.
Apologizing too much✓ One "I'm afraid" is enoughOver-apologizing sounds weak.

SpeakShadowing practice

Press Listen, then repeat straight away, copying the speed, rhythm and tone. Say each sentence three times, then record yourself.

  • I'd love to help, but I'm swamped this week. Could we look at next Monday?
  • That's a bit above our budget. Is there any flexibility?
  • I'm afraid that won't work, but here's what I can do.
Record the sentences above and compare with the audio.

CheckQuick quiz

1. "My plate is full" means:

2. Most diplomatic:

3. A good way to turn a no into a solution:

PracticeToday's speaking task

Write diplomatic responses to three requests: an extra project, a short deadline and a low salary offer. Say them out loud.

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