12 steps to guarding the tongue.

1. Shut up. :)
2. Think of how others would feel to what you say.
3. “Do unto others what you want others to do unto you”
4. Be patient; not everyone wants to listen to you speak all the time.
5. Listen to others.
6. Listen.
7. Pay attention to what others are saying!
8. Smile :). It actually helps!
9. Don’t think too highly about yourself.
10. Be secure, know who your identity.
11. The cowards’ way: backstabbing, gossiping, slandering.
12. Speak only when needed.

Of all these, love, love and love; love is the only reins that can keep the tongue in check, and where else can you get love apart from Love himself?