Say No, Stay Friends

Saying “no” is a skill that improves personal health and the health of relationships at work, socially, and in the family. If you say “yes” when you should say “no,” you plant seeds of discontent that will grow into a nasty "weed patch" that will spoil the landscape of your life.

This course will quickly help you learn why it is difficult for you to say “no” and teach you how to say the powerful, tiny word “no” with confidence. The lively video sessions will help you learn quickly and efficiently. They are backed up by downloadable and linked resources so you will have all that you need to transform your life—to go from giving in to what others want to getting on with what you want.

This course was entirely developed and written by Richard Walters, PhD.  The course includes methods that he used during his career as a licensed psychologist and workshop leader where he saw many people experience great benefits from the principles and methods in this course.  Everything in the course was prepared by Dr. Walters but, because a neurological problem has robbed him of speech, he is assisted in delivery of the training by Dan Walters (the voice on lesson 5 and who appears in lessons 8 through 12) and by Greg Vonow (the narrator of lessons 1, 2, 4, and 6).  We all wish you well.

It is a precious privilege to have the opportunity to learn and grow in life skills.  Use the opportunity, and may you prosper!  

The course is one-hour, in short, easy to understand lessons, with a self-evaluation inventory and various downloadable guide sheets including "mini-posters" that can help you change habits you haven't been able to change--until now.

Let's get going!  I am ready to help you!

Rich Walters

--- **Overview of the Course** The Global course rating stands at an impressive **4.60**, with all recent reviews contributing to this high score. The course aims to teach individuals how to effectively say "no" in various situations, emphasizing personal boundaries and the importance of assertiveness. It is described as a "short and sweet course," which is "the right place, right time" for many learners. The course is praised for being "practical" and "entertaining," with content that is both "informative" and "engaging." **Pros of the Course:** - **Practical Advice:** The strategies provided in the course are described as "easy to understand and apply to day-to-day situations." Many learners report an increase in confidence when saying "no" after completing the course. - **Diverse Examples:** The examples used throughout the course, including analogies and scenarios, are appreciated for their clarity and relevance, helping learners to grasp the concepts more effectively. - **Inclusivity:** While the course is primarily secular, it does touch on religious aspects, which some students found surprising but helpful if they share the same beliefs. - **Engaging Presentation:** The course's PowerPoint presentation and voiceover are described as "clear," "engaging," and "very good." Some learners enjoy the retro and quirky design elements. - **Real-Life Applications:** The skills and knowledge imparted by the course have immediate real-life applications, which many learners find transformative in their ability to say "no" assertively and tactfully. **Cons of the Course:** - **Quality Concerns:** Some learners point out poor video quality and audio recordings that seem outdated, suggesting an update would improve focus and learning experience. - **Inclusive Consideration:** A few reviews mention a section that is slightly preachy about religion, which some learners find excludes those with different beliefs, potentially detracting from the overall inclusivity of the course. - **Consistency in Content:** There are instances where examples provided in the course are repetitive or lack variety, which can cause confusion among learners. - **Miscellaneous Feedback:** A few specific issues are noted, such as a video in section 9 with very poor quality and a distracting presentation style. **Course Recommendations:** - **Update Media:** Modernize the video and audio quality to enhance the learning experience. - **Ensure Inclusivity:** Review and adjust sections that may come across as preachy or exclusive, ensuring all learners feel represented and included. - **Improve Content Variety:** Enhance the course by incorporating a wider range of scenarios and examples to maintain learner interest and provide more comprehensive learning. **Conclusion:** The course is generally well-received for its practical approach to teaching individuals how to assertively say "no," with many learners reporting positive changes in their ability to set boundaries after completing it. While there are some quality and inclusivity concerns, the pros outweigh the cons, making this an excellent resource for those looking to improve their assertiveness skills. With a few tweaks to the media and content, this course could be even more effective and enjoyable for learners of all backgrounds.