Ways to Stop Gossip – Your Response

There are many ways to stop gossip. Maybe the most important way is to stop repeating what we hear. But since so many people struggle with the consequences of gossip and because so many are hurt by it, I thought we would offer a slightly different take on the subject. We’ve talked about ways to stop gossip before but here we look at your response to gossip. See what you think.

When a friend, co-worker or fellow church member begins to talk about someone, what do you do? Just listen? Do you store it up for later. Is your mind churning out names of people who have yet to hear the latest scoop? Changing your response to gossip can make a difference.

1. One Way To Stop Gossip: Be Aggressive

It may not be a suitable solution for everyone but for some of us it would be quite easy. Interrupt their report  and say, “Look, I really don’t need to know that about _____.” It is a bit confrontational but it will work. I guarantee you will shut down the conversation almost instantly. Of course the gossiper may just turn and report to someone else but you will have stood your ground and made it less likely they will come to you again. You also plant a seed in their mind that not everyone approves of gossip. If you have the courage – try it.

2. One Way To Stop Gossip: Be Busy

Ok, you don’t want to gossip but you don’t want to offend the person speaking. That’s understandable. Here’s another idea. When someone starts to gossip, quickly excuse yourself by saying, “Can we talk later? I’m really covered up right and need to get back to work.” Then head off to do something else.

This doesn’t send a message to the gossiper but it does break the cycle and it removes you from the unhealthy environment. As a protective measure it will work. It may be the best solution for you.

3. One Way To Stop Gossip: Divert the Conversation

We can tell when gossip is about to start. You are familiar with the subtle changes in body language and the slight change in voice that precede a moment of gossip. As soon as you sense the shift to unwholesome talk, change the subject. It works like this:

“Bob was telling me about Carol’s problem with her husband. He said….”

You interrupt, “Oh, I’m sorry but I’ll forget if I don’t ask while it’s on my mind. Did you send that file over to purchasing this morning? I know they were looking for it.”

“Uh, yes, I sent it this morning right after we talked.”

“Oh good. Do you think we got all reports like they wanted them?”

We do it all  the time. When someone brings up a subject we do not want to talk about we change the subject. Do the same thing with a gossip topic.

4. One Way To Stop Gossip: Befriend the Target

A gossip depends upon secrecy to protect them from discovery and the consequences of being labeled a busybody. Threaten that secrecy and they will silence themselves. As soon as one friend begins to talk about another, say something very kind about the target of their gossip.

“I heard the other day that Carol was having trouble with her husband.

You reply: You know Carol is one of my favorite people. She is so sweet. Maybe we should go and tell what you heard and see if we can help.”

If the gossip believes that you are close to the target they will think twice before dropping any unflattering words. And, by asking them to accompany you to talk to them about the gossip, you ensure that the report comes to a rapid conclusion.

5. One Way To Stop Gossip: Be Passive

So, all of these approaches are too much for  you? You could just sit a listen although that is the worse possible solution. You feign attention and interest and allow the story to roll out. You say nothing although you know you should. Nevertheless, being passive is better than being active. At least you do not circulate the story.

Passive works for everyone. It’s the least courageous approach but it still works. In fact if everyone listened and did not repeat all gossip would cease.

Gossip is a horrible habit. Break it if you have it and shun it if you do not. There are ways to stop gossip and they work if you will use them.

2 comments On Ways to Stop Gossip – Your Response

  • These suggestions are all very nice for someone being told it, but what about the vicious deliberate gossip that never says it to your face, but spreads stuff around the tiny community (900 people). We are a small church (30 or less people) and one lady was so malicious she was put out of the church. She kept accusing the Pastor and his wife of having sex in the church before marriage, inappropriate behavior before marriage, calling us idol worshipers when we put up a picture of the founding Pastor and his wife up on the wall, and years after her disfellowshipping, is still gong to the County Family Resource Center as a social practice and tells them lies, for example she said the Pastor had an affair and the church was shut down because of this. I am the Pastor’s wife and this is outrageous and mean. I already practice shunning of this person (there are very few that rate that) and i just am amazed anybody even listens to her. How can I stop her? I don’t think she has any motive but meanness. I think she is a sociopath and has no conscience which changes everything about our rules in dealing with responsible human beings. The Bible tells us not to go to law with a brother, (but we are considering she is not really saved,) so we need a practical solution, not law.

    • How tragic! It’s clear that some people have so surrendered to Satan that their entire lives exist to spread chaos, grief and trouble.
      It’s possible that she has already marginalized herself in the eyes of the community and that her charges are largely discounted. Nevertheless, she is still causing pain.
      As horrible as this we should still give thought to Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 18:15-20. she should be approached by one, then a small group. Is she attending a church anywhere? If so, the leadership of that congregation should then be told.
      Paul warned about frivolous lawsuits but I would suspect this would not be considered frivolous.
      I would be extremely careful not to allow this sinful conduct to drag you into sin. This is tailor made by Satan and he wants to take as many people down as possible.

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