“No”

We don’t like saying no to people, but a clear no can be the best.

“No, I’m not going out with you” means the asker can ask someone else.
“No, my product won’t help you” means the seller isn’t wasting the buyer’s time and money.
“No, I can’t do this for you” means the asker can ask someone else.
“No, I won’t show up to that meeting” reduces expectations of the speaker’s presence.
To be helpful, we can offer a suggestion, “You might ask Joan,” “You might want a product you can find over there,” “Bobby knows how to do this,” or “I can write up my thoughts on the meeting’s subject.”

“No” can do wonders for our personal goals as well.
“No, I’m not going on social media tonight” means freeing time for more significant tasks.
“No, I’m not going to buy this toy” means having more money later and getting closer to my retirement goals.
“No, I’m not going to work for this company” means having time to work elsewhere.