Invitation is a written or spoken request to join certain event. When we receive any invitation for any professional or personal event, we find it very difficult to say "no”. It is because for many of us, "no” is a negative word by definition and we think that each refusal will automatically have a negative backlash. We assume that the ones who have invited us may feel offended or we might hurt their feelings by saying "no”. We also fear that other people in our family or circle may call us uncaring or selfish if we turn down an invitation (Newman, 2017).
Though refusing is uneasy and downright uncomfortable, sometimes we must say "no”. We need to understand the fact that we are not obligated to accept every invitation we receive. But there are certain ways to decline an invitation in polite manner. This includes:
Do not ignore the invitation or wait for the last minute to respond. It shows that we lack proper etiquette. Timely response helps the organizers in for planning and budgeting of the event (Mayne, 2017).
Be thankful to the host and acknowledge the gift of invitation. We need to show that we have sincere interest in the invitation even if we could not make it to the event (Lamberg , n.d.).
Be honest. Do not lie or make false excuses. If the refusal needs explanation, keep it short and to the point. Do not over-explain (Mayne, 2017).
Ask for a different time if the invitation is exclusively for you and your presence have significance impact on the event.
Send something (gift) along with the information that we will not be able to be a part of the event or celebration.
The invitation can be rejected in person, over phone or through notes or emails. We need to select the right medium along with the appropriate tone depending on our relationship with the person who invited us. In my opinion, the indirect approach of responding is more appropriate in saying "no”. The indirect approach as mentioned by Bell and Smith (2006), suggests while declining an invitation, we have to:
Begin with a buffer statement suggesting positive thoughts. It helps to prevent disappointed readers from thinking that you are totally not interested in that invitation.
Say "no” and explain the reason but do not make it too lengthy. We could also suggest alternatives for the event or invitation.
Conclude with a positive message to prevent the reader from feeling ignored or unwanted.
References
Bell , A. H., & Smith, D. M. (2006). Management Communication (3rd ed.). New York: Wiley.
Invitation is a written or spoken request to join certain event. When we receive any invitation for any professional or personal event, we find it very difficult to say "no”. It is because for many of us, "no” is a negative word by definition and we think that each refusal will automatically have a negative backlash. We assume that the ones who have invited us may feel offended or we might hurt their feelings by saying "no”. We also fear that other people in our family or circle may call us uncaring or selfish if we turn down an invitation (Newman, 2017).
Though refusing is uneasy and downright uncomfortable, sometimes we must say "no”. We need to understand the fact that we are not obligated to accept every invitation we receive. But there are certain ways to decline an invitation in polite manner. This includes:
Do not ignore the invitation or wait for the last minute to respond. It shows that we lack proper etiquette. Timely response helps the organizers in for planning and budgeting of the event (Mayne, 2017).
Be thankful to the host and acknowledge the gift of invitation. We need to show that we have sincere interest in the invitation even if we could not make it to the event (Lamberg , n.d.).
Be honest. Do not lie or make false excuses. If the refusal needs explanation, keep it short and to the point. Do not over-explain (Mayne, 2017).
Ask for a different time if the invitation is exclusively for you and your presence have significance impact on the event.
Send something (gift) along with the information that we will not be able to be a part of the event or celebration.
The invitation can be rejected in person, over phone or through notes or emails. We need to select the right medium along with the appropriate tone depending on our relationship with the person who invited us. In my opinion, the indirect approach of responding is more appropriate in saying "no”. The indirect approach as mentioned by Bell and Smith (2006), suggests while declining an invitation, we have to:
Begin with a buffer statement suggesting positive thoughts. It helps to prevent disappointed readers from thinking that you are totally not interested in that invitation.
Say "no” and explain the reason but do not make it too lengthy. We could also suggest alternatives for the event or invitation.
Conclude with a positive message to prevent the reader from feeling ignored or unwanted.
References
Bell , A. H., & Smith, D. M. (2006). Management Communication (3rd ed.). New York: Wiley.
Lamberg , E. (n.d.). This Is The Only Way You Should Say “No” To An Invite . Retrieved from Reader’s Digest: rd.com/advice/relationships/how-to...
Mayne, D. (2017, December 23). How to Politely Decline an Invitation . Retrieved from The Spruce: thespruce.com/how-to-politely-decl...
Newman, S. (2017). The Book Of No: 365 Ways to Say it and Mean it - and Stop People-pleasing Forever. New York: McGraw - Hill.