Navigation

Home

Kurse

Kurse

Sprache

Warum Cafetalk?
Kurse
Tutoren
Angebot
Kontakt (81)50-3647-0019
 
Coach Chris Navigating the “Soft No” in Business English
Business General Business   Professional Intermediate level Idioms Listening General Discussion
 

Navigating the “Soft No” in Business English

60Min.
8,000 P
Estimated of points
Google meet icon Lattep icon
No is Better Than Maybe
Kurs buchen

Kursinhalt

1. Warm-up: The Cultural Gap (10 mins)
 
Discussion: How do you say "no" to a client in Japanese? (e.g., Kentou shimasu — "I will consider it").

Challenge: In English, "I will consider it" often sounds like a "yes" or a "maybe," which can lead to misunderstandings later.

Goal: Learn how to be clear without being rude.

2. Key Vocabulary: The "Cushion" Method (15 mins)

Instead of saying "I can't do that," use a three-step structure:
 
The Buffer | Soften the blow | "I appreciate the invitation, but..." / "I see where you're coming from..." |

The Pivot | State the refusal | "...at this stage, we aren't able to..." / "...that's not feasible right now." |

The Alternative | Maintain the bridge | "What we can do is..." / "Can we revisit this next quarter?" |

3. Essential Phrases in English for Japanese Business Professionals (15 mins)

When a deadline is too tight: "I'd love to help, but my schedule is currently full. Could we push the delivery to Friday?"

 When a price is too high: "That's a bit outside our budget for this project. Is there any flexibility on the scope?"

 * When you disagree in a meeting: "I hear your point, but I have some concerns regarding the timeline."

4. Roleplay: The Unrealistic Request (20 mins)

Scenario: A long-term client asks you to finish a month-long project in two weeks for no extra charge.

 Task: Use the Buffer → Pivot → Alternative method.

 * Sample Response: "I understand this is a high priority for you (Buffer).
However, completing the full scope in two weeks isn't possible without compromising quality (Pivot). Could we prioritize the core features for a two-week launch and handle the rest later? (Alternative)"

Key Takeaway

In Western businesses, a clear "no" with a reason is more respected and appreciated than a vague "maybe."

It shows you value the other person's time and your own professional boundaries.
 
 

Cafetalk Rücktrittsregelung

Vor der Bestätigung einer Kursbuchung

  • Stornierung jederzeit möglich

Nach der Bestätigung einer Kursbuchung

  • Mehr als 24 Stunden vor Kursbeginn→ Stornierung jederzeit möglich
  • Weniger als 24 Stunden vor Kursbeginn→ Stornogebühren können anfallen.
  • No-Show→ Stornogebühren können anfallen.
    (Der Betrag kann je nach TutorIn variieren. Bitte nimm Kontakt mit Deiner Tutorin/ Deinem Tutor auf.)

Alle Kurse von dieser/m TutorIn

All Lessons All Lessons
Self Improvement
Career Advancement
Coaching
Coach Chris

Coach Chris

from
in
1
1

Mögliche Kurszeiten  

Mo 20:00 – Di 08:00
Di 20:00 – Mi 08:00
Mi 20:00 – Do 08:00
Do 20:00 – Fr 08:00
Fr 20:00 – Sa 08:00
Sa 20:00 – So 08:00
Actual availability may differ. Please check when you make a request.
Shown in Asia/Tokyo time.
Tutorenprofil
Navigating the “Soft No” in Business English
60Min.
8,000P
Google meet icon Lattep icon
Kurs buchen

Coach Chris

from
 
in
 
1
1
Tutorenprofil
Got a question? Click to Chat