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.

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

Application Activity• In a small group of 3-4 prepare to act out the refusal scenario given to you.

• Act out your scenario twice• The first time try to refuse but fail and end up

compromising yourself

• The second time successfully refuse