Shanli Liu, a CPA, shares three ways to stop gossip in your workplace or social circle. Say "I don't have an opinion on it," ask "Do you want to talk with them about it?" to push for direct conversation, or simply say "That doesn't sound right." The second approach works 9 out of 10 times.
What to say to stop gossip. Number 1, use the phrase, "I don't have an opinion on it." "I don't have an opinion on it." What you're saying is, "This doesn't interest me. Whatever you're trying to put down, I'm not picking up." And if you can't get a word in edgewise, use their name. You interrupt them. For example, "Jefferson, I need to tell you, I don't have an opinion on it." Number 2, ask the question, "Do you want to talk with them about it?" Whoever they're talking about. For example, if they're gossiping about somebody, you can ask, "Do you want to talk with them about it? I'm happy to send an email or get you in touch with this person or send them a text. It's a way of calling them out. You're saying, are you wanting to solve this or are you just wanting to spread it? And 9 times out of 10, they back away completely. And number 3, my personal favorite, huh, that doesn't sound right. When somebody starts gossiping and you just say, that doesn't sound right, it takes all the fun away from their gossip because what you're saying is, I know who you're talking about and based on my experience, I'm not going to believe it. And they'll stop and go find someone else to gossip to. And that's how to handle gossip. So try that and follow me.
