[header] How to tell someone " no! " [title] Use a direct " no. [step] " when you are talking to a family member or a peer, it is often best to give a direct " no. " sometimes this can be accompanied by an explanation of why you feel you cannot or will not meet the request, but it does not have to be. 
The key to a successful " no " in this situation is to make sure that your whole body says " no " and not just your mouth. Look the person directly in the eye and say no clearly and firmly without hesitation.