Effective Communication

Refusing permission politely | Effective Communication

Let us start with a conversation.

Son: Dad, my friend will have a birthday party tonight. Can I go there?

Father: I’d prefer if you don’t go because you have an exam tomorrow morning. It’s better if you study your lessons instead.

Son: But I promise to go home early, dad.

Father: I’m sorry but I will not allow you to go to the party. Maybe next time.

Son: It’s alright, dad. May I borrow your laptop for a while?

Father: No, but you may use it if you study your lessons.

Son: Sure, dad. Thanks.

It doesn’t sound good when we say ‘No’ to someone. However, we still have to learn to say it depending on the situation. We might use it when refusing or denying something. In a casual situation, we can respond ‘No’ directly like when a friend or a brother or sister asks a favor. While we can make it formal when talking with parents and work colleagues. Commonly we say, “No, you may not!” or “No, you can’t!” But it sounds totally negative. We can use it to respond like,

“I’m sorry but that’s not possible.”

“Unfortunately I have to say no for now.”

“I would love to but…”

“I’d prefer if you don’t…”

Sometimes, it’s better to offer something to help someone. Let’s read the conversation.

Kaye: Hi, Angel! May I borrow your English book?

Angel: I’m sorry I can’t let you borrow my book for I also have to study for our quiz, but we can study together instead.

Kaye: That’s great. Thank you.

Angel: You’re welcome.

Kaye: Oh I forgot that my mom asked me to buy something.

Angel: I’m sorry if you have to go. How about I send pictures of the pages that you need to study?

Kaye: Sure, thank you so much.

Being kind and polite when refusing permission is important to avoid offending someone. You may practice how to offer alternative help instead if you really have to say ‘no’ to their favor. This will result in positive feedback from someone seeking help from you.

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Angela Llasus

Angela Malla Llasus was born on September 24, 1997 at Villaverde Imus, Cavite. She is currently residing at Tumalalud, Mambusao, Capiz. She started her elementary grades at Pasong Buaya II Elementary School Imus, Cavite from Grade one to five and finished at Caidquid Elementary School Mambusao, Capiz as Valedictorian in the year 2010. She then enrolled in her secondary education at Mambusao National High School where she was a consistent honor student and graduated as Salutatorian in the year 2014. She pursued her college at Capiz State University Burias, Mambusao, Capiz, and took up a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics. Because of her hard work, she graduated with an academic award year 2018. During her college days, she taught freshmen students for her practice in her chosen profession. There she learned to work under pressure, interact positively with her colleagues in school and handle different behaviors of students. The experience has been challenging yet fulfilling. Angela loves English and Mathematics. Aside from numbers, her hobbies are writing literary pieces like poems and essays. During her school days, she joined different literary contests and journalism workshops because of her passion for writing. She also loves singing. For her, writing and singing are the best ways to express your feelings. As of now, her goal is to find a stable job to support her family. Because of her determination to achieve her goal, she searched for a job to help her family. She has been employed at Inspiro Relia, Inc. as a Customer Service Representative for more than a year. She believes that hard work and patience will lead you to a brighter future.