Really, if you’ve already tried to politely explain it to this person that it is disrespectful to interrupt other students, and he is not allowing others to adequately elaborate their views, then he is disruptive to the learning process, and needs to be dealt with (preferably by a professor/instructor). If you are worried about hurting his feelings then I would attempt a first discussion after class, and away from the other students (as much as possible … sometimes its impossible to be completely isolated), and don’t make so much about what he is doing wrong, but explain how what he is doing is not allowing you to benefit fully from the class. From personal experience though if this person routinely interrupts other students, and feels it his responsibility to interject his opinion even where it is not requested you are dealing with a person who will not respond to that type of request amicably. Go ahead and try being polite and respectful first, but if that doesn’t work, then I would suggest talking to your professor/instructor and delineate your grievances — As a professor myself I can tell you your professor should be there during the discussion, and should intervene if one student ‘dominates’ the discussion, or is otherwise disrespectful or inappropriate. If talking to your professor doesn’t work, then the only other real option is to openly challenge the student during a discussion, but I only suggest this as a last resort, and only if you have the support of your other students. A lot of times if you openly confront a person who bullies others with their opinions, or dominates discussions as if they are the only rational intelligent person, then effectively ‘pushing them right back’ (in a metaphoric sense) is the only thing they will listen to. And they are more than likely to think twice before they try it again …

make sure to tell the group to not back down once they start talking. Just start talking and if he interrupts don’t back down, just keep talking and he will get the message. If that doesn’t work you just flat out ignore him by not looking at him when he talks or interrupting him. It seems rude but he should realize he is being selfish. You can also assign speaker power and allow only certain people to talk at a time by having an item such as a baton that must be passed around to talk or you can make people talk based on their seat or position in the group. Remember you can also try to just tell the guys friend in the group to ask the guy to chill out and let others have a chance. He might feel hurt but at least he will know without everyone hating him for the entire year and others can contribute their ideas.

He is terribly insecure and feels in order to be heard at all he has to talk over everyone else. Next time he does this, have a moderator who decides who can talk (have the floor) while the rest remain silent. When he interrupts, the moderator (or someone) must say “Excuse me, Jim (whatever his name is) Amanda (just an example name) is speaking; when she finishes we will respond in turn.” Have a seating order and go around that way, no exceptions, and if he interrupts just tell him it is not his turn and to please be patient then motion the person he interrupted to please continue.

Set ground rules. These should have been set by the teacher, moderator, or whoever is running the class. If they have not been set, that is frankly irresponsible, and you should bring it to his or her attention that ground rules need to be set.

These are the ground rules you are in need of:

“One mic.” Meaning, only one person can talk at a time. Others have to listen.

“Step up, step back.” Meaning, if you are a person that talks a lot, you should “step back” and allow others to speak instead. If you don’t talk much, you should “step up” and speak more.

Depending on the setting, you may want to require that people raise their hands before talking, but this is more optional than the others.

If someone continually refuses to abide by these rules, they should be asked to leave the room. Without rules, you can expect chaos.

May God bless you.

interrupt him