Reviewed scenario
Declining a job offer
You want to turn down a role graciously without burning the bridge or sounding stiff and cold.
BeforeHey, thanks so much for the offer but I've decided to go with another company. It was a really tough call and I loved meeting the team. Hope we can stay in touch down the road.
SafeHello, thank you very much for the offer, though I have decided to go with another company. It was a genuinely difficult decision, and I enjoyed meeting the team. I hope we can stay in touch in the future.
BalancedThank you for extending the offer. After careful consideration, I have decided to accept a position with another company. The decision was a difficult one, as I greatly valued the opportunity to meet the team, and I hope we may remain in contact going forward.
BoldI write to express my sincere gratitude for the offer extended to me. Following considerable deliberation, I have elected to accept a position with another organisation. This was by no means an easy decision, as I held the opportunity to meet your team in high regard, and I trust that we may remain in correspondence in the years ahead.
Reviewed scenario
Requesting a refund from a vendor
You need to ask a supplier for money back in a way that reads as measured and official rather than annoyed.
BeforeSo the blender you sent me stopped working after two weeks and honestly I'm pretty frustrated. I'd like my money back please since it's clearly a faulty unit. Let me know how to send it back.
SafeThe blender you sent me stopped working after two weeks, and I must say I am quite frustrated. I would like a refund, as this is clearly a faulty unit. Please let me know how to return it.
BalancedI am writing to inform you that the blender you supplied ceased functioning after two weeks, which has been a source of considerable frustration. As the unit is evidently faulty, I would like to request a refund and would appreciate instructions for returning it.
BoldI wish to bring to your attention that the blender provided ceased to function after two weeks, a matter I have found deeply frustrating. Given that the unit is manifestly defective, I hereby request a full refund and should be grateful to receive instructions regarding its return.