Choose your words carefully How do people respond to requests like this one: "Hey, Mike, lend me your car!"? They probably refuse. How can you avoid this problem? Choose your words carefully! For example, say, "Mike, would you mind doing me a favor?" Mike will probably respond like this: "Maybe. What do you need?" Now you have his attention and can explain the situation. People are more likely to agree to help you when they know the whole story.