I am writing in regards to a specific incident we are having at some of our meetings.  At some of our Meetings in the Format it states "No cross-talking". I have been looking for the definition of this term and could not find one.  Help

My understanding is that cross-talking is when one person directly speaks to another person in the meeting instead of talking to the group.

Merriam-Webster says:  a.  conversation that does not relate to the main topic being discussed, and b.  conversation or repartee(a succession or interchange of clever retorts) engaged in for an audience.

Hi Kathy,

I saw your post and had to reply to it. I have been to several meetings where there seems to be an abundance of "cross-talking". When this happens, atleast in our groups - the "chair - person" or the person "chairing" the meeting is the one that announces : "No Cross Talking" if there is a larger group than normal.

When we have cross-talking, it's usually when there is an individual in our group having a significant problem and asking for advice - then someone will sometimes say something "out of turn" if you will. But that person will always anounce their name and say that they would like to "interject" for a minute - to help that person out.

Cross talking does happen alot in our groups - but we have the respect to not interrupt someone when they speak, or they will leave the room if it's of importance to not disrespect the fellow NA members that are around the tables. The "chair person" is the one that is usually in charge of the meeting and is to ensure that it runs smoothly without complications. That is also the person you would go to after the meeting if you have any issues with cross-talking during a meeting, or another person at the meeting. Also, in NA - it is my understanding that when a person is sharing - or talking, that others should remain silent until that person is finished. If that person takes too long, our chair person will interject and explain that we do not have enough time, and we will discuss it further after the meeting - thus allowing others to share. But if there are people sitting there having a conversation while someone is trying to share - that's a no-no. That's when the chair person should tell them to please be quiet while people share, or take it to another room.

Not sure what Webster's Dictionary's definition of cross-talking is.... however, this is my understanding of cross-talking for NA meetings - The chair person is in charge of what happens during the meeting. Atleast in my group. All groups are different. So I guess it depends on the group you are in, and what is involved. But if you have an issue with it at a meeting, you should go to your chair person and let them know about it. They can't fix it if they don't know.

It has been my experience that cross-talking includes but is not limited too, Talking while another is sharing or reading, i.e., chanting with the readings, such as,

"but do it!" etc. Another is talking directly to another person at the meeting, while sharing. We are not group-therapy. Directly commenting on what another addict share is often viewed, by some to be cross-talking,  If a meeting format includes a direct order of sharing, talking out of turn, may be construed as cross-talking.