Gossiping: 10 Ways To Putting An End To It!
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, butΒ there is a greatΒ 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 ReasonΒ 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. Donβt 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.Β 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 donβt get as excited when the news is good.Β You can use good comments, encouraging words or praise to deflect gossip.
6. Confront Gossip Politely Yet Firmly.
7. Point Out Missing Information.
8. Donβt 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, itβs important that you donβt let the stories become just that, stories.Β Tell them over and over and they morph and grow more fantastic with time. Look at whatβs important in that moment, focus on that, and let the gossip roll away.
9. Call It What It Is.
If the other techniques havenβt worked, this one definitely will. Just tell your friends point blank that you are trying to stop gossiping. Your discussion will moveΒ to the origins of gossip and how easy it is to fall into the trap of talking about others.
10. Stay Quiet.
Silence is whatΒ other people use as an excellent way to quash gossip.Β Thereβs a reason for the phrase silence is golden. Itβs something you shouldΒ strive to adopt. When you choose not to respond to certain issues, the rest of the people will also keep quite.