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Here's a sample from The Words Can Heal Handbook:

Think Twice

A mother erupts: "Julie! Get in here right now! Did you color on this wall? You good-for-nothing little . . . . "

But if she thought twice, she’d take a deep breath, hand the child a wet dishtowel with which to scrub the wall, and say, "Julie, let’s clean this together, and it would be nice if you said I’m sorry."

or . . .

A shocked wife exclaims: "That’s all the money we have left? What kind of husband are you!? You stupid, horrible. . . ."

But if she thought twice, she might say, "I need some water," as she leaves the room to cool off.

or . . .

An employer shouts: "I told you to get that report in by five! What kind of an idiotic failure. . . ."

But if he thought twice, he might say instead, "Is there any way you can finish it tonight?"

Avoid Gossipy Situations

"Excuse me, I need to freshen up my drink."
"I just can't make it to the cafeteria for lunch today."
"I can't talk on the phone right now."
"I'd love to join you, but I have to get some work done."
"I'm going to be late for an appointment; I'll see you later."

TOP TEN TIPS FOR HEALING with WORDS:

1. Bite your tongue before you gossip; your tongue will hurt, but your friends won't.



2. Stop yourself from gossiping by changing the subject mid-sentence; only you will notice.



3. Never say derogatory things about yourself; people might agree with you.



4. Never use humor to put others down; joking around usually comes around.



5. Speak sweetly, so if you have to eat your words, they won't taste so bad.



6. The gossip game always takes turns; the only way to avoid being "it" is to stop playing.



7. Trust makes a friendship; gossip takes it away.



8. You are the proud owner of a set of ears; use them at your own discretion.



9. To get friends who won't gossip about you, you must be a friend who won't gossip about them.



10. Stamp out gossip by voting with your feet; just walk away if someone gossips.