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Group Leadership
January 27, 2015

How to Deal with an ‘Over-Talker’ in Your Group

By Bruce Raley

Bible study groups are composed of all types of people. Some are extroverts. Some are introverts. Some are long-time Christians. Some are new disciples. Some may be seekers. Some rarely talk in the group. And then there are those who like to talk — a lot.

While there are advantages of having someone other than the leader who is willing to speak, an “over-talker” can sometimes drive people away or hinder the leader from arriving at the desired outcome.

Here are a few hints on how to deal with the over-talker:

1. Ask some group members prior to the session to be prepared to answer certain questions or address certain issues. Specifically ask those people to respond.

2. Have a conversation with the over-talker, explaining that your goal is for every person to participate. Enlist their help in accomplishing the goal. Let the over-talker actually call on specific people to respond.

3. If necessary, have a straight-forward conversation with the over-talker, explaining their excessive talking is detrimental to the group. Ask them to respond when specifically asked.


Bruce Raley is director of Church Partnerships with Lifeway Christian Resources. A native of Arkansas, he enjoys hunting, fishing, and traveling with Donna.

 

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Filed Under: Group Leadership Tagged With: The Meeting

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