HOW TO SAY NO

Refusal Skills•Communication strategies that can help you say no when you are urged to take part in behaviors that are unsafe or unhealthful, or that go against your values are also known as refusal skills.

SAYING NO CAN BE DIFFICULT

•When is it hard to say, “NO”?

•Saying no to someone you care about

•Saying no to someone of authority

•You feel like there may be a loss or you might miss out

Refusal Strategies

1. SAY NO IN A FIRM VOICE

• Do this calmly and clearly. Use expressions such as “I’d rather not.”

Refusal Strategies

2. EXPLAIN WHY

• State your feelings. Tell the other person that the suggested activity or behavior goes against your values or beliefs.

Refusal Strategies

3. SUGGEST ALTERNATIVES

• Propose a safe, healthful activity to do instead.

Refusal Strategies

•USE APPROPRIATE BODY LANGUAGE

• Make it clear that you don’t intend to back down from your position. Look directly into the other person’s eyes

Refusal Strategies

4. LEAVE IF NECESSARY

• If the other person continues to pressure you, or simply won’t take no for an answer, just walk away