Crosstalk

Examples of crosstalk are:

· when one member interrupts another rudely or inappropriately.

· Advice-giving

· Criticizing

· giving advice or rebutting someone's point

· talking across the table to someone else

· talking negative about a person or topic

· crossing the line on what is acceptable to discuss

· making comments about what others have already shared

· Questioning or interrupting the person speaking

· Talking while someone else is sharing

· Speaking directly to another person rather than to the group

· Typically crosstalk refers to people speaking out of turn, interrupting someone while they are speaking or giving direct advice to someone in a meeting.

Considering Crosstalk (From the AA Grapevine)

· BY: LILY JOY | PENNSYLVANIA

· An oldtimer reflects on the changing perceptions of crosstalk over the decades

· When I came into AA 29 years ago, crosstalk was wisely not allowed at meetings. However, it meant something different then than it does today. Back then, crosstalk meant two people talking back and forth, instead of each person getting a turn to speak uninterrupted. No one could even interject a comment during someone else's share. "No crosstalk" also meant not criticizing what another person said, not telling someone what to do about their problems, and not analyzing anyone else's psyche or situation. All good things to avoid.

· Other forms of crosstalk can include: caretaking, physical touching, referring back to a person by name, commenting on what someone has said, or replying directly to what someone has said. Offering or receiving comfort during a meeting

· Crosstalk is giving advice to others who have already shared, speaking directly to another person rather than to the group questioning or interrupting the person speaking at the time. If crosstalk occurs, the chair will remind you of this policy.”

· Is crosstalk allowed in AA?

Below are some thoughts about crosstalk that you may want to consider when deciding on what your new group will adopt as a convention during its meeting (s). There is no singular rule prohibiting "crosstalk" in AA but it is avoided as a matter of strong custom in many areas and many groups.