Tips on Excuses
Excuses inevitably become part of any interaction or relationship, whether you're playing hooky from work or trying to avoid going to your friend's party. Excuses take particular tact to be effective, which involves being both effective when you present them and having the foresight not to get caught in the act.
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Make Excuse Soon as Possible
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The quicker you let the person whom you are turning down or avoiding know that you will not be able to make the engagement or fulfill their expectations, the more time they have to make adjustments, and ultimately, the less disappointed they will be. If you put off your excuse, the other party may feel like you're blowing them off or end up with hurt feelings. Although excuses are generally uncomfortable, it is usually better to get them out of the way early.
Offer Few Details
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The art to delivering a good excuse is to be convincing and confident. Often, being brief is the most effective. The more details you add and the longer you describe the situation, the more suspicious it will become. It also provides more opportunity for you to get nervous or offer conflicting information. Avoid lengthy justifications of your decision, as this can undermine the excuse. In most circumstances, it is best to present the excuse, apologize and feign remorse.
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Use Half-Truths
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It goes without saying that the more outrageous the lie is, the more likely it will raise some eyebrows. To avoid this, try to tie the excuse in with a half-truth. For example, you know that a friend is going to drop a book off in the next few days. You can tell your mother in-law that you can't make dinner tonight because you're expecting company. Having the excuse be loosely connected to a real circumstance can also give you more confidence to deliver it effectively.
Don't Be Traceable
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The number one rule in making an excuse is to not get caught. You can quickly find yourself in an awkward situation that could cost you a friend or a job. Make sure your excuse can't be followed up by anyone else. For example, it can be risky to say that you missed work because of a doctor appointment, as your employer can call the doctor themselves if they suspect otherwise. Making the excuse untraceable is even more important than making it believable.
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