Your manager adds one more task. You want to say no, but “I’m too busy” sounds too direct.    So you say, “OK, I’ll try.”    The problem is, that can sound like yes.    If your workload is already full, you need a clearer way to answer without giving a long explanation.    For example:    🔵 I can help with that, but I won’t get to it before 2.    🔵 If I take this on today, the budget update will have to wait.    🔵 I’m tied up with month-end work this morning. Can I pick this up after lunch?    🔵 I can do part of it today, but I won’t be able to finish it.    You can also put the decision back to your manager:    🔵 If this needs to be done today, which task would you like me to prioritise?    My Say No and Push Back Politely guide gives you more ready-to-use English for situations like this: extra work, deadlines you can’t meet, last-minute requests, work outside your role, and what to say when someone keeps pushing.    Comment PUSH and I’ll send you the details.    #businessenglis...