How can you manage disruptive participants in a large group setting?

3 Use positive reinforcement

The third step to manage disruptive participants is to use positive reinforcement to encourage and reward appropriate behavior. Positive reinforcement is the process of providing feedback, recognition, or incentives to increase the likelihood of a desired behavior. For example, you can praise, thank, or acknowledge participants who contribute positively, follow the rules, or show improvement. You can also use gamification, rewards, or badges to motivate and engage participants. Positive reinforcement can help to build rapport, trust, and confidence among the group and reduce the need for corrective actions.

4 Address the behavior, not the person

The fourth step to manage disruptive participants is to address the behavior, not the person. Addressing the behavior means focusing on the specific actions or words that are causing problems, rather than the personality or characteristics of the participant. Addressing the person means making judgments, assumptions, or accusations that can escalate the conflict or damage the relationship. For example, instead of saying "You are rude and disrespectful", you can say "Your comments are not appropriate for this session". By addressing the behavior, you can communicate your expectations, provide feedback, and offer solutions without attacking or blaming the participant.

5 Use different interventions

The fifth step to manage disruptive participants is to use different interventions depending on the severity and frequency of the behavior. Interventions are the actions or strategies that you use to stop or prevent disruptive behavior and restore order and focus. You can use different levels of interventions, from low to high, depending on the situation. For example, you can use non-verbal cues, such as eye contact, gestures, or pauses, to signal your disapproval or attention. You can also use verbal cues, such as questions, reminders, or warnings, to redirect or correct the behavior. If the behavior persists or worsens, you can use more direct or assertive interventions, such as private conversations, group discussions, or referrals, to resolve the issue or remove the participant.

6 Evaluate and follow up

The sixth step to manage disruptive participants is to evaluate and follow up after the session. Evaluating means assessing the effectiveness of your interventions and the impact of the behavior on the group and the learning outcomes. You can use feedback forms, surveys, or quizzes to measure the satisfaction, engagement, and learning of the participants. You can also use self-reflection, peer review, or coaching to identify your strengths and areas for improvement as a facilitator. Following up means contacting the participants, especially those who were disruptive, to provide feedback, support, or guidance. You can also acknowledge their achievements, address their concerns, or set goals for future sessions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?