Rumors & Gossip
True or False:
Gossip and rumors are most often true.
False
You saw two people whispering and looking towards you and you think you heard them say your name.
What should you do first?
1. Ask later why they were talking about you (Confront them)
2. Tell the teacher
3. Tell your friends they were talking about you behind your back
4. Ignore it and avoid the people
Every instinct we have for responding to rumors and gossip is....
Right or Wrong
Wrong
What are two examples of props you can use when entering a conversation?
Phone, chair, computer, coffee/drink, etc.
True or False:
Sometimes gossip and rumors grow and change as people spread them.
True
A girl in your class was called to the principal's office in math and everyone is talking about it. You should:
1. Take part in the conversation about the bad choices you've seen this girl do
2. Ask the teacher what happened
3. Ignore everyone and do your math
4. Encourage others to stop talking about her and change the subject
3. Ignore everyone and do your math
and/or
4. Encourage others to stop talking about her and change the subject
What is one "Don't" rule for managing rumors and gossip?
Don't try to disprove the rumor
Don't show others that you are upset
Don't confront the source of the gossip
What are the four types of Humor Feedback reactions? (Must name all 4)
1. not laughing at all
2. giving a courtesy laugh
3. laughing at you
4. laughing with you
Andy saw his brother walk out the front door, so he told his friend that his brother was going somewhere he shouldn’t. Is this an example of gossip?
Yes
Someone was crying in class today. You should:
1. Ask them at lunch what they were crying about
2. Do what you would want others to do-pretend it never happened
3. Tell the people at your table in art class about it
4.Text people about it when you get home
1. Ask them at lunch what they were crying about
or
2. Do what you would want others to do-pretend it never happened
Why should you act amazed that anyone would believe or care about a rumor about you?
Acting amazed anyone would believe the gossip discredits the believability of it
Acting amazed anyone cares about the gossip discredits the importance of the gossip
What does it mean to cold call someone?
Calling someone who you don't usually interact with or calling someone for no reason and have nothing to say.
Texting, online chat groups, social media, Snapchat, video calling, etc.
At lunch someone said Mrs. Thompson has a Porsche, a Tesla, and an airplane. You:
1. Go tell Mrs. Thompson what you heard
2. Laugh and change the subject
3. Say you heard she also has a yacht
4. Text your friends about it
2. Laugh and change the subject
Another rule for managing rumors and gossip is to spread the rumor about yourself to others. True or false?
True
What is the first rule of exiting a conversation when you are not initially accepted?
Keep your cool
When people spread rumors and gossip to "get back" at someone, what is this called?
Revenge or Retaliation
A new student is very quiet and no one knows anything about her. People are starting to say crazy things about her. You should:
1. Add your own crazy things to the story
2. Tell the girl that others are talking about her
3. Try to get to know her at lunch
4. Ignore people and change the subject
3. Try to get to know her at lunch
and/or
4. Ignore people and change the subject
How can you avoid being the target of rumors and gossip?
Avoid being with friends who gossip
Don’t be enemies with gossips
Be as neutral as possible with people who gossip
Don’t spread rumors about people or gossip about others
What is the main goal of a conversation?
Trade information or find a common interest