Better Ways to Say Yes and No in English | Plus 'Maybe' and 'I can't'

Summary

In this video, Annemarie, an English fluency coach, teaches viewers how to respond effectively to various invitations and requests. She explores nuanced alternatives to simple 'yes,' 'no,' 'maybe,' and 'I can't,' while also considering enthusiasm, reluctance, and neutrality. The video covers affirmative, negative, and non-committal phrases, offering real-life examples to enhance communication skills. Annemarie emphasizes the importance of clear, polite responses that maintain relationships and avoid misunderstandings. The lesson also includes practice scenarios for viewers to apply what they've learned.

Takeaways

• 😊 Understanding how to respond to invitations and requests with nuance can improve communication and reduce misunderstandings.
• 👍 Instead of simply saying 'maybe', consider alternative responses that convey different levels of enthusiasm or reluctance.
• 👌 For an affirmative response, use phrases like 'absolutely', 'definitely', or 'sounds good' to express enthusiasm and clarity.
• 🤔 To politely decline, options such as 'I'm afraid not', 'I wish I could, but I can't', or 'maybe another time' convey respect while refusing.
• 🙌 Non-committal responses can range from 'possibly' (leaning towards yes) to 'we'll see' (completely neutral) or 'can I get back to you?' when more time is needed.
• 📅 When saying 'I can't', it's helpful to leave the door open for future opportunities, using phrases like 'I can't this week, but let's check in next week.'
• 📝 The script emphasizes being honest and clear in responses, whether it’s a firm yes, no, or needing more time to decide.
• 👩‍🏫 The lesson teaches not only what to say, but also how the tone and wording affect the message and relationships.
• 💼 Responses to work-related requests should balance politeness with assertiveness, especially when declining or needing time to evaluate availability.
• 💬 Practicing various scenarios, like responding to invitations or work offers, helps develop confidence and fluency in English communication.

Q & A

Question 1: What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is how to respond to invitations, requests, and queries with more nuanced phrases than simply using 'yes,' 'no,' 'maybe,' or 'I can't,' in order to sound more confident and clear in various social and professional situations.

Question 2: Why is it important to go beyond just saying 'maybe'?

It's important to go beyond saying 'maybe' because 'maybe' can sound vague, non-committal, or uninterested. By using more nuanced language, you can better express your feelings and intentions, whether you are leaning towards yes or no, avoiding misunderstandings and fostering clearer communication.

Question 3: What are some alternatives to saying a simple 'yes'?

Some alternatives to saying a simple 'yes' include: 'Sure,' 'Absolutely,' 'I'd love to,' 'Definitely,' 'Of course,' 'Count me in,' 'I'm in,' and 'Sounds good.' Each phrase expresses different levels of enthusiasm and formality.

Question 4: How can someone politely say 'no' without sounding harsh?

To politely say 'no' without sounding harsh, you can use phrases like: 'I'm afraid not,' 'Not really,' 'No thanks,' 'I don't think I can,' 'Unfortunately, no,' or 'Maybe another time.' These phrases soften the refusal and can convey politeness or regret.

Question 5: What are some ways to express 'I can't' when you need to decline for practical reasons?

Some ways to express 'I can't' when declining for practical reasons include: 'I can't make it, unfortunately,' 'I'd love to, but I can't commit at this moment,' 'I really can't take on anything more right now,' 'I wish I could, but I can't,' and 'I can't this week, but let's check in next week.' These responses often express regret or a future possibility.

Question 6: What are some non-committal responses that indicate uncertainty?

Non-committal responses that indicate uncertainty include: 'Possibly,' 'I'll think about it,' 'Let me see,' 'I might be able to,' 'We'll see,' 'I'm not sure yet,' 'Can I get back to you?' and 'That depends.' These phrases convey uncertainty without committing to a yes or no.

Question 7: Why should non-committal phrases like 'I might be able to' or 'We'll see' be used carefully?

'I might be able to' or 'We'll see' should be used carefully because they can sound vague or evasive. If used too often, they might give the impression that you are avoiding commitment or uninterested. It's important to balance these with clear communication of your intentions.

Question 8: How does expressing nuance in your responses improve your relationships and interactions?

Expressing nuance in your responses improves relationships and interactions by making your communication clearer and more thoughtful. It helps avoid misunderstandings, conveys your true intentions, and allows you to politely manage expectations, which can lead to stronger connections in both personal and professional contexts.

Question 9: How should you respond if you're interested in an invitation but need more time to decide?

If you're interested in an invitation but need more time to decide, you can respond with phrases like 'Possibly, I need to check my schedule first,' or 'Can I get back to you?' This expresses interest while giving you the space to assess your commitments before making a final decision.

Question 10: What are some examples of polite ways to decline an invitation while leaving the door open for future opportunities?

Polite ways to decline an invitation while leaving the door open for future opportunities include: 'Maybe another time,' 'I can't make it this week, but let's check in next week,' or 'I wish I could, but I can't this time.' These phrases show your interest in participating in the future while clearly declining the current offer.