Influential Women Logo
  • Podcasts
  • How She Did It
  • Who We Are
  • Be Inspired
  • Resources
    Coaches Join our Circuit
  • Connect
  • Contact
Login Sign Up

“No” Is a Complete Sentence

Embracing the Power of 'No': A Journey to Unapologetic Boundaries

Karli Sherman
Karli Sherman
Speaker & Leadership Coach
Speaker, Leadership Coach with Karli Sherman Productions
“No” Is a Complete Sentence

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

Facebook: Karli Sherman

 LinkedIn: Karli Sherman

 TikTok: @KarliGlitter

Featured Influential Women

Geneva Cortez-Paul, M.Ed.
Geneva Cortez-Paul, M.Ed.
Instructional Coach and University Instructor Practitioner
Grand Prairie, TX 75051
Mary Roberson
Mary Roberson
Business Support Analyst
Albany, GA 31701
Rowena Chu
Rowena Chu
Business Operations Manager - Biopharma/Oncology
Santa Clara, CA 95054

Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.

Contact

  • +1 (877) 241-5970
  • Contact Us
  • Login

About Us

  • Who We Are
  • Press & Media
  • Company Information
  • Influential Women on LinkedIn
  • Influential Women on Social Media
  • Reviews

Programs

  • Masterclasses
  • Influential Women Magazine
  • Coaches Program

Stories & Media

  • Be Inspired (Blog)
  • Podcast
  • How She Did It
  • Milestone Moments
  • Influential Women Official Video
Privacy Policy • Terms of Use
Influential Women (Official Site)