How Do You Curb Table Talk?

[Joseph Elric Smith]

My group's solution to this problem is called the tanget bell. Basically when the conversation gets to far afield or when someone gets tired of it someone rings the tanget bell. It's seems to work pretty well for us. The off topic disucssion still happen but they don't get ridiculous. But we don't have the problem with off topic conversation being the most hideous crime to man reaction either.:

LOL we would sound like the clock town at noon, with that system
Ken

 

[WizarDru]

Reminds me of Monty Python, actually:

What's brown and sounds like a bell?

 

[Aluvial]

I meant to update everyone who replied on my status on Wednesday, but unfortunately my mother in law died of complications resulting from a brain tumor. She went peacefully.

My game resumes next week and I will update then.

Thanks again.

Aluvial

 

[Joseph Elric Smith]

Sorry to hear that, you have my condolences
ken

 

[Seonaid]

My condolences . . . Let us know if you need anything.

 

[Aluvial]

After a week absence my game commenced...

Ultimately, to solve the talking issue, I let the players read this post. That was all that was needed, the game ran smooth as silk, and role-play was WAY up!

The interesting thing was that I feel that I used you and the boards to get this accomplished. Basically I knew if I started a discussion about the problems, looked for answers, then commented on the possible solutions that I liked, and finally let the players in to take a look, I would get the results that I needed to have.

I think that if excessive talking returns to my table, I will just send a reminder of this post and let them re-read it. Again, thanks for your support on this topic.

Aluvial

 

[Krinkle]

1. Casually set up all your stuff while everyone is socializing. Don't try to start right away when everyones not done greeting each other. A false start sets a bad tempo for the rest of the evening.
2. Dramatically grab everyones attention to let them know you are now playing. "When last we played..."
3. Every so gently crack the whip. If its someone's turn and they aren't ready just say "Agro refocuses, next" (Yeah, 3.5 doesn't have refocus anymore, its a house rule then)
4. Don't get annoyed, just skip 'em. Losing one round isn't a big deal and they'll decide they either want to play or not. Don't be punative or spiteful about it, just drive on.
5. Make sure YOU aren't part of the problem.
6. A few hours in the pizza should arrive (You did order pizza right?) Close up the books, stop playing, relax and eat some pizza while socializing.
7. When everyone's done, dramatically grab everyones attention to let them know you are now playing. "When last we played..."
8. Repeat as neccessary.

Finally, make sure the game as interesting as the people playing it (at least most of the time).