Out-negative / Anger url
Stay away from me
- Mind your own business.
- Don’t butt in.
- Will you lay off?
- Don’t start with me.
- Stay out of it and mind your own business.
- I don’t want your two cents worth.
- Keep your hands to yourself.
- Leave me alone.
- It is no business of yours.
- Stop bugging me.
Stay away from me
Out-neutral / Advice url
Examine-1
- You can’t bury your head in the sand.
- Keep track of it.
- Keep it in perspective.
- Don’t blow it out of proportion.
- Keep your eye on the ball, and don’t get distracted.
- Life is never black and white.
- Stay focused, keep your eye on the ball, and don’t let your mind wander.
- I think your mind is playing tricks on you.
- I'll let you be the judge.
Examine-1
Out-neutral / Negotiating url
You are wrong
- That’s where you’re wrong.
- I should think not.
- That’s out of the question.
- That’s not so.
- If you think I’m going to go along with you on that, you have another guess coming.
- You had your chance.
- You just wait and see.
- I wouldn’t be so sure of that.
- That doesn’t even come close.
- You’re sadly mistaken.
- You couldn’t fool me for a minute.
- You are way off base.
- Nothing could be further from the truth.
- That option is just not in the realm of possibility.
- That choice is just out of the question.
You are wrong
In-positive / Relief url
Surviving after being lost in the desert for 3 days.
- I was on my last legs, and I didn’t think I could hold out much longer, when I was miraculously saved in the nick of time.
- I got through by the skin of my teeth.
- I don’t know how I did it.
- I got in just under the wire.
- At the end if was touch and go, and I was wondering if I was going to make it.
- Home, sweet, home.
- Things are finally getting back to normal.
- I was on my last legs.
Surviving after being lost in the desert for 3 days.
Out-neutral / Negotiating url
Try to see my viewpoint-2
- That’s fairly obvious.
- I didn’t expect what happened any more than you.
- It’s about time that you came around to seeing things from my point of view.
- You know that as well as I do.
- Take my word for it.
- Give me the benefit of the doubt.
- I’ve told you the same thing time and time again.
- Try to be open minded.
- Correct me if I’m wrong.
- You know what I mean?
- Now let’s just assume this for the sake of argument.
- Let the facts speak for themselves.
- That's as clear as day.
Try to see my viewpoint-2
In-negative / Explaining url
Trying to fix work-mate’s computer
- I found the problem, but I just need time to fix it.
- I’m a little rusty.
- I’m working on it.
- I've hit a brick wall.
- I tried my best, but I guess that just wasn’t good enough.
- It doesn’t look like I’m making much headway.
- Oh well, it was worth a try.
- It may look simple, but it's really complicated.
- You can’t blame a fellow for trying.
- I’m sorry that it just didn’t work out.
- Back to the drawing board.
- I got more than I bargained for.
- That’s easier said than done.
- It was a shot in the dark.
- That’s what I could do.
- I’m sure you were expecting more from me.
- I’m trying my best.
- That’s the only thing I can think of.
Trying to fix work-mate’s computer
In-positive / Confidence url
Looking for something
- Something will turn up.
- We’re on the right track.
- It was exactly where I thought it would be.
- Something’s going to turn up.
- If we’re patient and methodical, I’m sure this will have a happy ending.
Looking for something
Out-positive / Encouragement url
For a friend who just published his first book
- That’s a positive start.
- What a great accomplishment!
- You’re on a roll.
- More power to you.
- Sock it to me.
- Your off and running.
- I’m glad that it worked out.
- You do what you do very well.
- You did much more than you realize.
- That’s a step in the right direction.
- You’re doing a great job.
- It turns out that you accomplished more than you even realized.
For a friend who just published his first book
Out-positive / Thanks url
General thanks
- That was real sweet of you.
- You’re a life saver.
- I’m touched by your concern.
- Thank you for the kind words.
- I owe you one.
- Let me make it up to you.
- Thank you for your patience.
- I appreciate the suggestion.
- One good turn deserves another.
- Thanks for letting me know.
- I owe you a great deal.
- You’re always there when I need a friend.
- I couldn’t have done it without you.
- That’s nice of you to say that.
- I just may take you up on that.
- Don’t think for one minute that I wouldn’t do the same for you.
- It’s the thought that counts.
- I would be delighted to accept your generous offer.
- Thanks for giving me the red carpet treatment.
- I feel like this is my home away from home.
- I was as hungry as a bear, and I really appreciate the delicious meal.
- Thanks for the warning.
- What you did was incredibly helpful.
- Thank you for the useful tip.
General thanks
Out-positive / Encouragement url
For a fellow worker who is hesitant to present a new idea to the boss
- There’s nothing to be afraid of.
- You have nothing to worry about.
- Don’t sell yourself short.
- What’s holding you back?
- What could go wrong?
- Your fears are your worst enemy.
- I'm sure they're going to appreciate your trying.
- You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.
- At the very worst, they won't use your idea, but it’s certainly not going to hurt anything.
- What's the downside?
- Grab the brass ring.
- Maybe they’ll take you up on it.
- What’s the worst case scenario?
- Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
- No pain, no gain.
- Speak up and make yourself heard.
- You don’t have to sell yourself to me, screw up your courage and say what you have to say to the powers that be.
- Just remind yourself that speaking up is not a bad choice, mind you.
- Don’t worry, they’ll understand.
- They’re on the up and up, and they’re not going to pull any punches.
- You need to stand up for yourself.
- I think you should jump at the opportunity.
- It never hurts to ask.
For a fellow worker who is hesitant to present a new idea to the boss
Out-neutral / Negotiating url
You’re not negotiating well-3
- That’s a low blow.
- I have to watch you like a hawk.
- I feel like I’m being rail-roaded into it.
- Who are you trying to kid?
- I don’t trust you any more than I can throw you.
- Now you’re showing your true colors.
- Don’t point the finger at me.
- I’ll give you one more chance.
- Why open up old wounds?
- I know how you operate.
- Where do you come from saying something like that to me?
- Wait just one cotton pickin’ minute.
- That’s the dumbest thing I ever heard.
- I suspect that you might have an ace up your sleeve.
You’re not negotiating well-3
Out-positive / Agreement url
I’d like to borrow Dad’s car tonight
- OK, have it you’re way.
- That’s good enough for me.
- That’s fine with me.
- That’s no problem.
- Go right ahead.
- I’m all for it.
- Suit yourself.
I’d like to borrow Dad’s car tonight