How can you politely but efficiently decline?

Firmly but kindly declining a request is a very useful way of getting around to give direction to your own life. It strengthens your independence, it increases your freedom and it grow your fulfilment. Say: "give me some time to think about it." ,,I'll call you back within the hour.’’ It offers the opportunity to give you some time to prepare and carefully consider how to formulate your rejection. You also give the impression that you are taking the effort and time to handle the request with care. You really have to call back within the hour and give them a clear and unambiguous no. You do not need to provide an explanation or motivation. The reflection period and keeping your promise, also makes the rejection less abrupt and come across as less harsh. Say; "it's a very nice offer." Appreciate the request what it's worth, but turn it down anyway. Say your time is consumed with other things, and that unfortunately you have to skip this one. Don't say what that other things are, so you do not have to get into in a discussion about importance. Say: "you know, I really appreciate you," or, "there's no one for who I'd rather do this, but this time I have to say no. ' Compliment the other. Make it personal, but in a positive sense. Strengthen your relationship. And then refuse. Say: "that's something I never really do." People fare better with a rejection if they know it is not personally intended, however is part of a general policy. 'I never buy at the door.' 'I hardly have time for my family, so I have my to set priorities.' Say: "I'm very sorry for you." Try to find the veiled meaning in the request and respond to the emotion of the request. For example: 'we would like to come with the whole family, but we can't afford the hotel. ' Read: we want to be invited to your home. An appropriate response is: 'it is very unfortunate that we cannot meet during the holidays, but we will have time to catch up afterwards. ' Say: “it's not convenient now. Maybe another time. 'And if again they insist: 'I cannot decide on that now, but I'll get back to it. ' Say: "no." If you want to say 'no', say 'no'. Pauze, so that you give the impression that you have thought about it, and then say 'no'. Use a firm tone, look the person in the eyes, otherwise it looks like negotiation is still possible. You do not need add justification nor argue. 'No' creates enormous clarity and saves a lot of trouble.