Reply that says no

Write a short reply declining this: {{request}}

The actual reason is {{reason}}. What I can offer instead: {{alternative}}

Say no in the first two sentences. One reason, stated plainly — no apology stack,
no "unfortunately at this time". Offer the alternative and stop. Do not leave the
door open if the answer is no.

What to fill in

{{request}}

What was asked — e.g. a call to walk through the roadmap

{{reason}}

The real reason — e.g. no capacity until August

{{alternative}}

What you can offer instead — e.g. a written summary this week

What it produces

No to the call — I don't have capacity until August.

I can send a written summary of where the roadmap stands
this week, which covers most of what you'd have asked.

— V