Main Lesson
Discussion
1. What do you think this girl is asking for?
2. Look at this person — what do you think happened?
3. How do you feel when someone says ‘no’ to your request? Is it okay to refuse sometimes?
1. My experience
When I worked at an education center in South Korea, my manager often gave me different requests.
At first, I said yes to all of them because I was new and wanted to earn respect. But one day, she asked me to completely change my teaching style. I politely refused and explained my reasons, showing that my students’ current results were actually very strong.
❓How do you think she responded to that?
She got pissed off and she fired me that night!
2. Learn how to accept
Request: Could you review this report before I send it to the manager?
❓How many different ways can you accept this request?
Direct / Neutral
• Sure, I’ll take a look.
• Yeah, happy to.
Polite / Formal
• Certainly, I’d be happy to review it.
• Of course, I’ll make sure it’s ready before you send it.
• Yes, I’ll review it and provide feedback shortly.
3. Learn how to reject
Request: Could you help me with this project?
❓How many different ways can you reject this request?
Direct / Neutral
• I can’t. I’m too busy.
• No, I won’t be able to.
Polite / Formal
• I’d like to help, but I’m in the middle of something important right now.
• I’m afraid I can’t do it at the moment
• I don’t have time today—maybe you could ask Sam instead?
• I can’t review it now, but I can check it tomorrow morning.
4. Learn how to ask
Clarifying what to do
• Do you want me to …?
• Which documents are you referring to?
Clarifying details
• Who should I send this to?
• How many [slides/pages/copies] do you need?
Clarifying deadlines
• When do you need it by?
• Is there a specific deadline for this?
Clarifying priorities
• Should I make this my top priority?
• Is this more urgent than [task/project]?
5. Practice all
Reject
• Can you stay late tonight to finish this project?
• Could you lead tomorrow’s meeting instead of me?
• Can you take on this extra report for me?
• Would you mind working this weekend?|
• Can you make copies of these documents for everyone?
Accept
• Could you send me the updated file after the meeting?
• Would you mind booking a meeting room for tomorrow?
• Can you remind me to call the client later?
• Could you check this email before I send it?
Ask
• Can you get this project done later?
👉(Later when? Today, this week, or next month?)
• Can you prepare the presentation slides?
• I need you to fix the file.
• Can you send me the documents soon?
• Could you help me with this task?
• Can you send the email to the client?
Answers
1. When do you need it by?
1. Could you clarify when you’d like it completed
2. How many slides would you like me to prepare?
2. When would you like the slides to be ready?
3. Could you let me know which file you’re referring to?
3. Who should I send the updated version to once it’s finished?
4. Of course — which part of the task would you like me to focus on?
5. Could you specify which client I should send it to?
6. Read
In Korea and Japan, people usually avoid saying “no” directly to requests. Instead, they use softer phrases like “I’ll try” or “That might be difficult.” This way, they protect relationships and keep harmony in the workplace. A direct refusal can sound rude or disrespectful in those cultures.
In contrast, in the United States, people are generally more direct. It is common and acceptable to say “No, I can’t right now” or “Sorry, I don’t have the time,” as long as it is said politely. In fact, a clear answer is often appreciated because it avoids confusion and saves time.