Dealing with Rumors
Discussion Topics: Have you ever fallen victim to a rumor? How do you think rumors start? What can you do to prevent rumors? What can you do to reduce the damage of a rumor hat has already started?
Activity: Read “Rumors” by Holly Balcom. Play the telephone game. Teacher tells one student a story, that student whispers to the next, and so on until the last student repeats what was told. Compare the original story to the last persons story and see how much information was distorted. Discuss the four areas below: How to Get People to Stop Spreading Rumors How to Get Rid of Rumors How to Get Rid of Your Bad Reputation How to Address a Rumor
How to Get People to Stop Spreading Rumors
Christine Harvey has been a professional writer for over seven years and a professional theater practitioner for over 12 years. She is a published, award-winning playwright. Her plays are carried with six different companies worldwide. Her writing repertoire also includes musicals, commercial scripts, documentary scripts, lesson plans and newspaper articles. She has a bachelor's degree in drama from Queen's University. By Christine Harvey, eHow Contributor updated May 15, 2011
Gossip is a habit that some people fall into. Rumors can be hurtful and damaging for all involved, especially for the person who the gossip is about. Although there is no way to completely stop people from spreading rumors, you can take measures to deter people and encourage positive, honest communication. Learn how to deal with people who tell rumors about you, how to deal with people who gossip, and how to influence positive and upbeat communication.
o 1 Avoid associating with people who gossip. Sometimes in school or in the workplace we are forced into interacting with people who gossip, or find ourselves in situations where we are being exposed to gossip. As much as possible, hang out with people who are positive and do not participate in talking behind other people's backs. o 2
Approach people who spread rumors about you. When you speak with them, be polite and keep your cool. Do not make a dramatic scene. If they think they will be confronted, it should deter them from continuing to gossip about you. Act in a way contrary to the rumor and do not let the rumor stress you out or bother you. o 3
Be an example to others by not participating in spreading rumors. Ask people not to spread rumors while you are around. Don't engage them; walk away or change the subject. Question the truthfulness of rumors by suggesting going to talk to the person the rumor is about for verification. Gossipers may not want to confront the person they are talking about so this also could prevent future rumors. o 4
Fill your environment with positive comments by telling the truth and giving praise to and about others. This will give people uplifting conversations to pass on. Let open honest communication to replace the rumors. Make a list of strengths and talents of the people you spend time with on a regular basis and concentrate on sharing that, rather than passing on negativity How to Get Rid of Rumors
Laura Jerpi has been working in marketing since 2007. She is an interactive copywriter who writes for Thought Leadership Publications, Ai InSite and South Source. Jerpi holds a Bachelor of Arts in communications from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Business Administration from Robert Morris University. By Laura Jerpi, eHow Contributor updated May 27, 2011
Wait until you know the facts instead of spreading a rumor. While many people enjoy spreading rumors, most do not like to have rumors spread about them. Rumors can be very cruel and hurtful, whether there is truth to the story or not. If you hear a rumor about someone else, treat the person with the same respect that you would want, and do not continue to spread it. Most rumors are blown out of proportion, with people elaborating onto the original story as it is passed around.
o 1
Confront the source of the rumor, if you know who started it. This direct approach can bring an immediate end to the rumor. It might also make the person who started it think twice before coming up with another one.
o 2
Refuse to spread a rumor if someone shares one with you. Ask them if they are sure the rumor is true, and if not, drop the subject or look into the matter yourself to see if there is any truth behind it.
o 3
Consider the reason that the rumor was started if it was about you. You may have behaved in a way that would make the person who started the rumor jump to conclusions. For example, if you were seen at a club dancing with a man who isn't your husband, a rumor may have been started that you cheated on him, when in reality it was just a harmless dance.
o 4
Ask the person spreading the rumor to stop talking about the issue until the two of you can discuss it with the person it is about. Contact this person and listen to their side of the story. If the person spreading the rumor is hesitant to do this, you can probably assume that the rumor is not true. Either way, this will put an end to the speculation. Read more: How to Get Rid of Rumors | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_8496860_rid-rumors.html#ixzz1PT7JVtBe
How to Get Rid of Your Bad Reputation
This article was created by a professional writer and edited by experienced copy editors, both qualified members of the Demand Media Studios community. All articles go through an editorial process that includes subject matter guidelines, plagiarism review, fact-checking, and other steps in an effort to provide reliable information. By an eHow Contributor
A negative image or a false rumor can quickly result in a bad reputation. While it's easy to acquire a bad image, it's much harder to improve a bad reputation. However, with a little effort and persistence, you can make a good name for yourself.
o 1
Learn anger management techniques. If you have a short fuse, others may view you as temperamental and mean. Rather than lose your cool every time someone gets on your nerves, learn how to control your emotions.
o 2 Tone down provocative dress and choose mature attire. Sometimes, the way you dress gives people the wrong impression. If you wear revealing or overly provocative clothes, don't be surprised when the rumors start. o 3
Address false statements and dispel rumors. Take immediate action and set the record straight whenever someone speaks untruths about you. It doesn't take long for a false rumor to spread. o 4
Change your association and look for new friends. The best way to get rid of a bad reputation is to look for a new group of friends. Bad association can ruin good habits. Even if you don't participate in reckless behavior, you're always guilty by association. o 5
Be patient and expect a few setbacks. When people have a bad image of you in their minds, it takes time to erase this negative opinion. Once you makeover your attitude, dress and begin hanging out with respectable people, others are sure to forget your bad reputation.
Read more: How to Get Rid of Your Bad Reputation | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2383969_get-rid-bad- reputation.html#ixzz1PT8aPmCE How to Address a Rumor
Tyra Marieza launched her writing career in 2009. She now publishes articles for various websites, covering topics such as health, parenting and current events. While attending college, her work received awards for Best Poetry and Outstanding Persuasive Writing. Marieza attended Kansas State University and studied international business.
By Tyra Marieza, eHow Contributor updated November 25, 2010
Sharing the rumor you heard is like starting the rumor yourself. Dictionary.com defines a rumor as "a story or statement in general circulation without confirmation or certainty as to facts." When a rumor is told about you, regardless of the nature of the report your response should be the same: a calm, well-thought-out plan of action. Remember that after a rumor is started, your reaction could cause it to spread further.
o 1
Check the facts. Based on the information you've gathered, use your calendar to help you recall the date in which the incident supposedly took place. Try to remember your words and actions in the situation. This reflection is to help you confirm your role in the matter versus what was insinuated.
o 2
Confide in someone you trust. It's a natural reaction to get upset, offended and even hurt when a rumor is started about you. To vent these feelings in a private and secure setting turn to someone who you can confide in and share with them your concerns and thoughts. Feel free to repeat this step multiple times.
o 3
Allow time to pass. Dr. Michael Hurd, a psychotherapist and life coach states, "When dealing with a rumor the general policy should be not to comment on it or address it unless there's some compelling reason to do so." After 48 to 72 hours has passed since the rumor started, if the story is still spreading start considering a public response. However, if the story appears to be turning into old news, resist the urge to defend yourself and put that energy instead into getting over the emotional damage it might have caused.
o 4 Don't let a rumor distract you from focusing on daily responsiblities. Girl on her workplace working image by Angel_a from Fotolia.com
Perform damage control. Joan M. Rennekamp, a human resources professional who works with Rothgerber Johnson & Lyons LLP labor and employment attorneys, suggests inviting yourself to the discussion. This is a process that she recommends to managers in a work place, however, it works well in a personal setting as well. In order to accomplish the task, on a piece of paper write down the names of important people who might have heard about the rumor and be negatively affected by it. Then, at your discretion, meet with these individuals one-on-one to learn what they have heard, if anything at all, and to provide them with the accurate information.
Read more: Playing the "Rumors" Improv Game | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/video_2387879_playing-rumors-improv-game.html#ixzz1PT7dMkvg