• "It's easy to say 'no!' when a deeper 'yes!' is burning inside." - Stephen R. Covey
• To prepare for your first Yes of the Positive No, take time to quiet your emotions, uncover your underlying interests, needs, and values, and then crystallize your Yes so it is clear and precise.
• Empower your No to help set clear limitations and show your inner power, which can be difficult if you are dependent on others and need them to react positively.
• Strengthen your No with respect.
• Think about the third element of the "Yes! No. Yes?" The second Yes is one that someone can say to your No while taking into account their needs.
• Do everything you can to make your No seem respectful and positive.
• A good No is about you and not about them.
• Respect is something every person deserves. Confident and strong-willed people are capable of true respect, especially concerning their opponents.
• After declining or disagreeing, invite them to a constructive discussion, and let them know there are ways to solve the issue that will benefit both.
• Uncover your interests (Yes), solidify your refusal (No), and address the needs of the other (Yes?).
• To do it successfully, use the-statements, stick to the facts, avoid judgmental language, and use "I" and "we" statements.
• Being objective and factual is key to solidifying your No.
• No is a different way of saying Yes.
• Empower your bare No with everything you've got and stick to it, defending yourself and your basic interests.
• Always follow your No through.
• Saying No and just stopping there is a common mistake; by doing so, they overlook an opportunity to seek a positive outcome for both sides.
• When you follow up your No with a suggestion, you show respect and make it more likely for your No to be accepted without negative responses.
• Another benefit of following your No with a suggestion is that it allows others to say No to you, helping to restore a balanced and healthy relationship.
• Changing old patterns takes lots of practice, but every day we are offered many opportunities to practice saying No.
• No always comes before Yes.