please keep interruptions on topic

Imagine a quick question turning into ten minutes on Napoleon.

❌ Don't do this

Lecturer 10:15 AM
For the second part, you'll need two sources.
Student 10:15 AM
Sorry to interrupt, guys.
Lecturer 10:15 AM
Yes?
Student 10:16 AM
Actually, in France, Napoleon…
Lecturer 10:16 AM
What has that got to do with the assignment?
Student 10:16 AM
Well, it's just interesting.

The lecturer was explaining the coursework. A few minutes later, the class is discussing Napoleon.

Even in a class of 15, a tangent can leave everyone waiting to get back to the point. There was probably a reason the lecturer was talking about something else.

An interesting fact doesn't always belong in the middle of a lecture. Familiar examples include:

  • “Actually, in France…”
  • “That reminds me of Napoleon…”
  • “Sorry, just a bit of background…”

Probably one for the break.

✅ Instead try this

Lecturer 10:15 AM
For the second part, you'll need two sources.
Student 10:15 AM
Do they both need to be academic?
Lecturer 10:15 AM
Yes, both.
Student 10:15 AM
Cheers.

The question gets answered and the lecture carries on.

Asking for clarification is fine. Chances are someone else was wondering the same thing:

  • “Sorry, what do you mean by that?”
  • “Can you go back a slide?”
  • “Could I ask you something after class?”

Of course, if the lecture is about France, a bit of French history might actually help.

Otherwise, there's always the break.