“Oh no, I was on the computer all night and forgot about my essay! What am I going to do?” All of us, for sure, have been experiencing these kinds of troubles for many times in our life. Everyone does, whether for any reasons. Usually, most people do not tell the truth because it may sound really embarrassing and humiliating to others. Instead, they will choose to make up some kinds of excuses for such a situation, rather than to take a bad consequence and get blamed by the others. However, not many people know how to give a persuasive excuse. It requires a specific step-by-step methods and skills.

Step 1: Grab a Plan

First, you must draw a detailed plan for your excuse. An unprepared excuse will never work. You need to come up with the idea before talking. Also, you should list all possible questions that can be asked, and make up some logical and connected reasons for them. This will make your excuse more reliable and trustworthy. In addition, do not forget about your B plan. You might want to make sure how to deal with some unexpected situations when you are talking. By this we will avoid confusion and create a fast reaction to different circumstances.

Step 2: Be Realistic and Creative!

Second, the person to whom you will talk might expect a new and realistic story from you. An absurd and ridiculous excuse only makes the situation worse. Also, do not bring up something that was commonly used before. It sounds very boring and uncreative. A typical example for this case is “My dog ate my homework!” Well, you may have already got sick of it, then why don’t create something more interesting?

Tip: Relate it with something the other person likes. For example: If you're talking to a bibliophile, then tell her that you have been looking for a good book to read and want a recommendation from her. She will immediately develop a nice image of you.

Step 3: Watch Your Behaviors!

Third, prepare your manners and behaviors. Stay confident when you talk. This is the most important thing. People are usually convinced once we keep ourselves articulate and confident. Don’t stutter or mumble, or else your excuse will become very suspicious. Don’t forget to smile. Stand up straight and make direct eye contact with the other person. Be respectful! Talk in a regretful accent. The other will save a good impression of you and sympathize with you. You will likely to be succeeded, even in the next few times.

Step 4: Practice, Practice, Practice!

Finally, practice makes perfect! Keep practicing whenever you can. You will feel ready and more comfortable. It helps us avoid unfortunate mistakes and errors when we get into real talk. Also, spending time practicing might light us up with a new brilliant idea to “polish” our excuse. A good way to practice is to do it with a friend. Sometimes they will give you a lot of helpful advises.

Step 5: Extra: Go for Help!

There is an extra step if you want your excuse to be ninety-five percent persuasive: Get help from others! They can be witnesses to prove your excuse. For me, it worked out really well whenever I faced my strict middle school history teacher. My friend was always there to be my evidence. In return, I helped her do the same thing later on. It is a great tip to try out. However, it’s optional and not necessary. We don’t actually need an “assistant” every single time. Sometimes, the third person only makes the situation more complicated.

Step 6: Let's Go!

You see? Making excuses is not just that simple. There is a specific technique with it. However, we should also try to avoid giving too many excuses. It will only spoil the other’s prestige on you. Some people may even consider it as lying or quibbling for laziness. Well, it depends. Everyone has some points in life that do not allow him to take care of everything. Therefore, some proper excuses may help him release from a heavy work load for a while. This is absolutely understandable. To me, the definition of making excuses is different from the one of lying. Excuses are given to obtain sympathy from people, not to speak a complete fault.

So, are you ready now? Let’s get a plan!