Question:

I am trying to practice right speech and refrain from gossiping, but I sometimes find myself in situations at work in which other people are gossiping. How can I skillfully respond to the gossip occurring around me?

Phillip Replies:

The practice of right speech is built around meeting three conditions simultaneously: Say only what is true and useful and timely. It comprises actively refraining from giving unsolicited opinions or stating your view when it serves no purpose, which certainly includes gossip. When other people are gossiping, consider doing one or more of the following:

Change the subject
Praise the person being gossiped about (if you genuinely mean it)
Make a joke
Be silent
Leave
Later say to one of the people present, “I was really uncomfortable when we were having that conversation. It made me uneasy because (describe your experience without judging the other). What do you think about that?”