Politely refusing something - 16 - English at Work helps you make polite refusals
Narrator: Hello! You're joining us again after Anna's call from Mr Lime – he asked her to lunch, remember. Now Anna and Denise are flapping.
Denise:…and before you know it, he'll be asking you to marry him! Trust me Anna, this has happened to me dozens of times!
Anna: But I thought he was only interested in the lemons! Please promise me you won't mention this to anyone.
Tom: Good morning. What's going on?
Denise: Mr Lime has asked Anna to lunch!
Denise: And it's not to talk business! I saw him looking at her with big eyes, from the moment he first saw her!
Tom: Old Slimy Limey eh? Lucky Anna!
Anna: He's not slimy, it's just…
Tom: Don't tell me you said yes?!
Anna: Well I didn't know what to say.
Anna: No, no, I said I was busy and would call back. I wanted to just say no, but with everyone complaining that I'm not polite on the phone… I just… I didn't know how to say it politely.
Tom: Ha ha, I'll tell you what to say.
Anna: Hang on, let me write it down… why do all the pens keep disappearing?
Anna: Thanks. Okay, I'm listening Tom.
Anna: Go away Slimy Limey. Are you sure?
Denise: Don't listen to him Anna. This is what you say: Thank you for your offer. But I'm really sorry, I won't be able to. Then explain why, say I'm afraid… blah blah blah
Denise: Say it's against company policy to have non-business lunches with clients.
Denise: You're not allowed to if it's not for business. Then say: It wouldn't be appropriate. So, with regret, I'm going to have to say no.
Anna: Okay, I think I've got that all down. Thanks. He'll be waiting for my call.
(dials phone) Mr Lime: Hello, Seb Lime speaking.
Anna: Hello Mr Lime. Mr Lime: Anna! Please, call me Seb. So, when can I invite you to lunch?
Denise: (whispering loudly) Thank you for your offer…
Anna: Well, thank you for your offer. But I'm really sorry, I won't be able to. Mr Lime: Oh?
Denise: (whispering loudly) I'm afraid…
Anna: I'm afraid it's against company policy to have non-business lunches with people. Mr Lime: Really? Oh how tedious!
Denise: (whispering loudly) It wouldn't be-
Anna: No, not shhh you Mr Slimy I meant shhhh Denise! Mr Lime: Mr Slimy?
Anna: Oh no! I mean Mr Limey – Lime – er Seb! You see, it wouldn't be appropriate. So, with regret, I'm going to have to say no. Mr Lime: I think I've understood. Goodbye Anna.
Narrator: Oh dear, he didn't take that too well. But, apart from a little mistake, Anna did well there. Here are the phrases she used to politely refuse the offer of lunch:
Thank you for your offer. But I'm really sorry, I won't be able to. I'm afraid it is against company policy…