How to Decline

1.) Offer Some Measure of Genuine or Quasi-Genuine Praise, Gratitude, or Kindness

This seems like a really interesting idea for a panel, I’m really honored that you thought of me, this is a great pitch —  you get the picture. It’s true that sometimes it’s not, in fact, a really interesting idea for a panel, but unless it’s an offensive idea f

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2.) Offer a Brief But Firm Decline

I chose to explain that I was over-committed on blurbs. I often simply say that I’m over-committed and unfortunately need to decline. Sometimes, depending on the invitation, I’ll note that I’m even declining things I would otherwise accept. You’ll see variations on how to do this from others below, but the key her

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