Have you ever winced at the comments some people make to others? I recall hearing someone ask a slightly overweight woman when her baby was due. A job applicant said: "Before I saw your job ad, I'd never heard of your company." Yet another person said: "I saw a girl with exactly the same dress on yesterday." Each of us in our own way has said dumb things.

There is a remedy. To avoid blurting out an inappropriate comment, pause before answering questions and, if you think something may be taken the wrong way, don't say it. Public relations is an important part of any business. An employee who has learned to avoid dumb comments is a valuable asset. Make your job more secure and your life less embarrassing by taking time to think before you speak.