Final answer:
Handouts are best distributed after the lecture to avoid distractions and to help students reinforce what they have learned.
Step-by-step explanation:
When deciding the best time to distribute handouts in a lecture setting, it's generally considered most effective to hand them out after the lecture. Distributing handouts after the lecture ensures that students' attention remains focused on the lecture material, without being distracted by the handouts. Furthermore, receiving handouts afterward allows students to review and reinforce their understanding of the lecture content.