Words to know

invent a reason for not doing something

avoid doing something you don't want to do

say no now, but suggest doing it another time

Step 1 of 5

Listen first

No text yet. Listen for who, where and what goes wrong.

SoraRohan

Practice · 3 min

Take Rohan's part first, then Sora's. Rohan's excuses get shorter and weaker, "A new one. Near my place. Very modern." Sora sounds amused, not hurt. Let "Honestly?" rise, then drop into the real reason.

  1. SoraRohan, are you coming to my poetry reading on Thursday? It's at the bookstore on Fifth.
  2. RohanThursday? Oh, that's a shame. I have a dentist appointment.
  3. SoraThe reading starts at eight in the evening.
  4. RohanIt's a late appointment. They do evenings now.
  5. SoraAt eight? Which dentist is open at eight?
  6. RohanA new one. Near my place. Very modern.
  7. SoraRohan, you're a terrible liar. Your ears have gone red.
  8. RohanOkay, fine. I made it up. I'm sorry.
  9. SoraI'm not angry. But why are you trying to get out of it?
  10. RohanHonestly? I've never been to a poetry reading. I don't think I'll understand it.
  11. SoraNobody fully understands poetry. That's half the fun.
  12. RohanAnd what if I laugh at the wrong moment? Or clap too early?
  13. SoraThen you'll be like everyone else there. Most people come for the free wine.
  14. RohanHmm. How long does it last?
  15. SoraAbout an hour. I'm reading third, so you could leave after me.
  16. RohanThat sounds manageable. Next time I'll come up with a better excuse.
  17. SoraNext time, just say you don't want to come. It's much easier.
  18. RohanThursday at eight, then. I'll cancel my imaginary dentist.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.