Chofetz Chaim’s Guidelines for Right Speech

1)Do not spread a negative image of someone, even if that image is true.
2)Do not share information that can cause physical, financial, emotional, or spiritual harm.
3)Do not embarrass people, even in jest.
4)Do not pretend that writing or body language or innuendo is not “speech.”
5)Do not speak against a community, race, ethnic group, gender, or age group.
6)Do not gossip, even to your spouse, relatives, or close friends.
7)Do not repeat gossip, even when it is generally known.
8)Do not tell people negative things said about them, for this can lead to needless conflict.
9)Do not listen to gossip. Give everyone the benefit of the doubt.