Gossip hurts and is destructive to any group or organization where it is found. It always feels good to get the latest information about a particular person, but there is a great harm that comes from either intentional or unintentional gossip. Instead of talking about people we should be talking to people and encouraging them.
1. Figure Out The Reason Behind It.
Sometimes the reasons that you’re spreading gossip about someone is because you’re angry about them or something they’ve done. Consider why what they’re doing bothers you so much. Sometimes, it’s because you’re guilty of the same practice yourself.
2. Don’t Participate in Gossip
Gossip always requires at least two people. One does the talking and the other listens. If you refuse to be a part of either side of the gossip equation then it stops. I remember a fine lady who would quietly excuse herself from the conversation when the chatter turned to gossip. She never made a big show of leaving but simply would not stay.
3. Find An Appropriate Response.
4. Change The Subject.
5. Replace Gossip with Good
Just as gossipers depend upon anonymity, many also depend on a constant flow of bad or embarrassing news. For some reason, busybodies just don’t get as excited when the news is good. You can use good comments, encouraging words or praise to deflect gossip.
6. Confront Gossip Politely Yet Firmly.
7. Point Out Missing Information.
8. Don’t Let Stories Get Out Of Control.
If this person is someone who is going to continue to be in your life for a very long time, it’s important that you don’t let the stories become just that, stories. Tell them over and over and they morph and grow more fantastic with time. Look at what’s important in that moment, focus on that, and let the gossip roll away.
9. Call It What It Is.
If the other techniques haven’t worked, this one definitely will. Just tell your friends point blank that you are trying to stop gossiping. Your discussion will move to the origins of gossip and how easy it is to fall into the trap of talking about others.
10. Stay Quiet.
Silence is what other people use as an excellent way to quash gossip. There’s a reason for the phrase silence is golden. It’s something you should strive to adopt. When you choose not to respond to certain issues, the rest of the people will also keep quite.
