Short YouTube video (~speaker transcript) by Rael (communication coach) giving a concise, four-part formula and sample script for telling a client you no longer want to work with them. Emphasizes acknowledging the decision, noting incompatibility, expressing empathy in advance, and closing on a high note with practical wording and do/don't tips for a clean break.
Here's what to say when you no longer want to work with a client. And for reference, I'm well with Rael, your communication coach, here to help you socialize and articulate with kindness, class and confidence. Simple formula for you Acknowledge the thought behind your decision, mention incompatibility, articulate empathy in advance, conclude on a high note. So it goes something like this. After additional consideration, I no longer think I'm the right fit for this project. I understand this may come as a surprise, but I wish you the best of luck and remain available. If you have any questions here, want to refer them to someone in your field, you can absolutely mention that, but only say it if you actually mean it and we'll follow through with it. Also, if you're truly done with this client, I would avoid saying things like if anything changes on my end, I'll be sure to let you know. That just leaves the door open unnecessarily and doesn't give you room for a clean break. Other ways to conclude on a high note, separate from the example I mentioned before, are to thank the client for their time and wish them best of luck in their future endeavors. So remember, acknowledge the thought behind the decision, mention the incompatibility, articulate empathy in advance, and conclude on a high note. Good luck.
