Make room for the other version
Ask what the other person understood before assuming that you are arguing about the same facts. For a message about how to decline a job offer respectfully, use this factual base: state the role, policy, decision, dates, and process that apply without disclosing another employee's information.
Correct the record precisely
Correct only what you can support, acknowledge any real impact, and propose a practical way to prevent repetition. Explain the available next step, support, review route, or deadline and name the correct contact. Make the immediate next step clear enough that the recipient can answer without reconstructing the entire history.
Agree on a testable next step
Do not imply a guaranteed outcome, retaliate, or use informal pressure where a formal process is required. Use HR, a representative, legal advice, or emergency support for discrimination, harassment, threats, or immediate danger. Do not recruit an audience, publish private evidence, or turn a misunderstanding into a campaign about character.