While a NO is strong and clearly not a YES, we sometimes focus on the negative a little too much. Negativity can appear anywhere:

➤ I can’t come to the meeting at 9am. 10 would be better.

Changing your approach can create a more positive 😃 and strong 💪🏻 impression:

➤ 10 would be better (I have a client call at 9). Could you confirm if this is possible?

How would you rephrase the first statement?

Negative words can give the reader a negative image 😱:

➤ I did not find the copywriters' position on the RedX website so I don't know exactly what are the requirements.

Rather than say what is not possible (using negative words ⛔️), say what is possible ✅:

➤ Please find attached my CV, as requested, with respect to the copywriter’s position.

If you have been asked to send in a CV, but with limited information about the position, focus on what is known, as well as your strengths with respect to the position

Changing your approach creates a positive 😃 and strong impression. 💪🏻

Negativity can appear anywhere:

➤ I can’t come to the meeting at 9am. 10 would be better.

How would you rephrase this statement?

Sometimes it’s not what we say but how we say it. Negativity can appear even if a negative word is not used:

➤ Absolutely lovely service. We had the restaurant to ourselves and the owner was very kind and provided us with everything we needed. He was very grateful after we showed up and everyone else had cancelled due to the ongoing situation. Food and drinks were lovely and service was very prompt.

Saying you 'had the restaurant to ourselves’ gives the impression it is unpopular, despite the enthusiastic review. While the writer explains the reason for the empty restaurant, this is only a snapshot in time: no mention is made about being the only diners for their meal, or whether it was for the entire day.

Focus on the positive and the experience highlights:

➤ Absolutely lovely service. The owner was very kind and provided us with everything we needed. He was very grateful after we showed up especially with the ongoing situation. Food and drinks were lovely and service was very prompt.

The review now has a positive tone and how the ‘on going situation’ was not going to spoil their time!

Would you rephrase this differently?