Politely decline a request

Say no clearly and kindly to a request or invitation, protecting the relationship and your time.

Change note: Initial version

Prompt

Write a message declining the request below.

The request: {{request}}
Who asked and our relationship: {{requester}}
Why I am declining (share only what I want shared): {{reason}}
What I can offer instead, if anything: {{alternative}}
Tone: {{tone}}
Channel: {{channel}}

Rules:
- Say no in the first or second sentence. Never leave the answer vague or open-ended.
- Thank them once, specifically, without grovelling.
- Give a brief reason only if it helps, and never invent a false excuse.
- If I offered an alternative, make it concrete; if not, do not hint at one.
- Do not over-apologise, and do not leave the door open for negotiation unless I said so.
- Keep it under 90 words, formatted for the channel.

Output format: the message, then two shorter and firmer versions of the first sentence in case I want a stronger no.

Variables

• {{request}}The requesttext

  Default: Join a panel at a conference in October

• {{requester}}Who askedtext

  Default: An organiser I met last year, friendly but not close

• {{reason}}Reasontext

  Default: My calendar is full through the autumn

• {{alternative}}Alternativetext

  Default: Recommend a colleague who speaks on the same topic

• {{tone}}Toneselect

  Options: Warm and professional, Direct and concise, Friendly and casual, Formal, Confident and persuasive, Empathetic

  Default: Warm and professional

• {{channel}}Channelselect

  Options: Email, Slack or chat, LinkedIn message, Text message

  Default: Email

Example output

Hi Elena,

Thank you for thinking of me for the October panel. I am not able to take it on, as my calendar is full through the autumn.

If it is helpful, I would suggest Marcus Webb, who speaks on the same topic and would be a great fit. I am happy to introduce you.

I hope the event goes brilliantly.

Best,
Jordan

Firmer first sentences
1. "Thank you for the invitation, but I have to decline the October panel."
2. "I will not be able to join the October panel."

Notes

Leaving out the reason is fine; the prompt only shares what you allow. The firmer variants are useful when the person tends to push back.