easiest solution is a timer. If each player has 30 seconds to declare their turn (dice rolling, description of action etc not included). If they do not then they will take the dodge action. a timer helps keep the flow going and with the sense of urgency of a fight.
My group is lucky that we have two that are pretty good with the rules and can dm, with a third one up and coming. We're all coworkers and former coworkers. The dm and I ride herd on the others--keeping track of things and keeping everyone honest.
We're all in our 20's and 30's. Our DM likes to railroad a bit, even when it comes to player actions, so it causes some issues, usually with me, lol. I'm usually quiet and more RP-focused. Also DM the last campaign, so I usually help with rules, questions, and suggestions. Other players have been playing about 2 years or less. One is scatter-brained, one is extremely quiet, and the other is loud and distracted easily. We have a 5th player who's rarely there. Very quiet, but coughs a LOT due to health issues, which can be distracting. Can't be helped--all the jokes don't help, either.
Our biggest problem is getting started or having something funny happen, which leads to jokes that can go on forever. Dm and I are the ones that get everyone going by starting to narrate or ask for rolls. I start asking about our location, etc.
Edited to fix things typed quickly during a work break while on a phone.
I would suggest to constantly engage the players with describing everything, even in combat. Let each person.have their moment in the spotlight. Before the game starts, set some ground rules and if the person isnt paying attention, skip over them.
I would suggest being very clear that you won't tolerate banter during combat (banter during RP is kind of the point, but combat needs to be focused). The timer is a good idea, but rather than just skipping over them, tell them they take the dodge action so their turn is not completely wasted. Make sure you stick to the plan so they know you're serious. Whatever you do, Good luck!
Not every group is a good group. Sorry to say, but it sounds like their are some real personality conflicts that may be unresolvable.
I don't have any advice pertaining to your specific situation, but these are things I have done in the past to keep everyone on track or paying attention.
Everyone has a miniature or some sort of trinket or token. They only speak or act as a PC while holding their miniature where all can see. If they are not holding their miniature anything they say is in real person.
As a DM, when I am holding my miniature I am speaking or acting as a monster or NPC.
Have a specific item that a player must have in their possession whenever they are acting as a PC. If they do not posses the item they do not act as their PC. The item is passed to the next in line when it is their turn.
The final option, Create a scenario where if the PCs do not cooperate and use their abilities and skills to their best advantage their PCs die. Allow them to make mistakes and perform useless actions as a result of their not paying attention and doing their part to make the game work. Be prepared to point out what they missed and where they went wrong.
If they choose to attack a dead Orc because they weren't listening, let them. Then describe to them the result of their attack upon the dead Orc. While this is happening have them be attacked with advantage by the dead Orcs companion.
GOOD LUCK!
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As the title says essentially
easiest solution is a timer. If each player has 30 seconds to declare their turn (dice rolling, description of action etc not included). If they do not then they will take the dodge action. a timer helps keep the flow going and with the sense of urgency of a fight.
No distractions at the table also helps.. such as electronic devices.
My group is lucky that we have two that are pretty good with the rules and can dm, with a third one up and coming. We're all coworkers and former coworkers. The dm and I ride herd on the others--keeping track of things and keeping everyone honest.
We're all in our 20's and 30's. Our DM likes to railroad a bit, even when it comes to player actions, so it causes some issues, usually with me, lol. I'm usually quiet and more RP-focused. Also DM the last campaign, so I usually help with rules, questions, and suggestions. Other players have been playing about 2 years or less. One is scatter-brained, one is extremely quiet, and the other is loud and distracted easily. We have a 5th player who's rarely there. Very quiet, but coughs a LOT due to health issues, which can be distracting. Can't be helped--all the jokes don't help, either.
Our biggest problem is getting started or having something funny happen, which leads to jokes that can go on forever. Dm and I are the ones that get everyone going by starting to narrate or ask for rolls. I start asking about our location, etc.
Edited to fix things typed quickly during a work break while on a phone.
Sounds like they may not be overly interested.
most character sheets are on electronic devices nowadays.....
I would suggest to constantly engage the players with describing everything, even in combat. Let each person.have their moment in the spotlight. Before the game starts, set some ground rules and if the person isnt paying attention, skip over them.
I would suggest being very clear that you won't tolerate banter during combat (banter during RP is kind of the point, but combat needs to be focused). The timer is a good idea, but rather than just skipping over them, tell them they take the dodge action so their turn is not completely wasted. Make sure you stick to the plan so they know you're serious. Whatever you do, Good luck!
Not every group is a good group. Sorry to say, but it sounds like their are some real personality conflicts that may be unresolvable.
I don't have any advice pertaining to your specific situation, but these are things I have done in the past to keep everyone on track or paying attention.
Everyone has a miniature or some sort of trinket or token. They only speak or act as a PC while holding their miniature where all can see. If they are not holding their miniature anything they say is in real person.
As a DM, when I am holding my miniature I am speaking or acting as a monster or NPC.
Have a specific item that a player must have in their possession whenever they are acting as a PC. If they do not posses the item they do not act as their PC. The item is passed to the next in line when it is their turn.
The final option, Create a scenario where if the PCs do not cooperate and use their abilities and skills to their best advantage their PCs die. Allow them to make mistakes and perform useless actions as a result of their not paying attention and doing their part to make the game work. Be prepared to point out what they missed and where they went wrong.
If they choose to attack a dead Orc because they weren't listening, let them. Then describe to them the result of their attack upon the dead Orc. While this is happening have them be attacked with advantage by the dead Orcs companion.
GOOD LUCK!