#1. When someone asks something you’re just not sure about

It can be helpful to buy some time to analyze the situation and figure out what we want exactly. 

• "I need some time to think. Can we pick this up in half an hour?" Or, "Can we talk about this later today, after I’ve had more time to think about it?”
• To someone who wants you to go to a dinner that sounds painful: “I’m going to say no to dinner, but I’d love to catch up another time.”
• To a collague who wants your help beyond your specialty, interest, or duty: "I can’t, unfortunately. But once I finish up my current tasks, I’ll circle back to see if there’s a way I can support you.”