“No” Is a Complete Sentence
Embracing the Power of 'No': A Journey to Unapologetic Boundaries
So many of us, especially women, are taught (explicitly or not) that “no” should be followed by a comma and an explanation.
We are taught that “no” should be part of a compound sentence.
Fun fact: “No” is a complete sentence.
No.
No?
No!
No…
Of course, if you *want* to offer further information along with your “no” then go ahead.
But we actually don’t *have* to.
But Karli, that’s weird…
I totally thought so too.
Turns out that is some societal garbage ingrained in our heads.
I promise it’s actually not nearly as weird or offensive or mean or rude (or any other synonym) as you think it is!
Don’t believe me?
Try it.
I dare you :)
And if you feel weird saying just one syllable as an answer, then you can follow it up with a phrase that is not an explanation of justification (or straight up lie…you know you’ve done it).
No, thank you.
No, I can’t, so sorry.
No, thanks for inviting me, though.
No, I don’t.
No, but thanks for thinking of me.
At first, I felt awkward doing it.
Then I noticed no one cared.
Then it felt freeing.
Then it felt fun!
Now, it feels empowering.
My challenge for you is:
Say no + a follow-up phrase - an explanation.
And let me know how it goes!
Send me a message and let's connect!
Instagram: @KarliShermanProductions & @KarliGlitter
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Karli Sherman is an international speaker, leadership coach, emcee, and pageant coach. As the owner of Karli Sherman Productions, she empowers individuals and organizations through high-energy keynotes, developmental workshops, and intensive coaching. Karli helps professionals—especially women—level up with tangible tools and contagious confidence. With her strengths-based approach, Karli helps teams and individuals…
