Talking Stick
An ancient practice adapted for contemporary facilitation: only the person holding a physical object (the 'talking stick') may speak. Everyone else listens. The stick passes around the circle. It slows the conversation, prevents interruption, and equalises speaking time. In highly structured form it is used in circle practice and council; in lighter form it simply prevents crosstalk in heated discussions.
How to run it
- 1
Choose or designate any meaningful object as the talking stick.
- 2
Explain the single rule: only the holder of the stick may speak. Others listen fully.
- 3
Pass the stick around the circle. Each person speaks when they hold it, passes when they don't want to.
- 4
After one round, open the stick for anyone to pick up who has something to add.
- 5
Continue until the topic is exhausted or time is up.
Tips
The power is in the physical object and the ritual, not the rule alone.
Choose an object with some meaning or weight.
Don't rush the silence between speakers — silence while waiting for the stick is where reflection happens.',
Variations
Run in council practice form: add an intention ('we speak from the heart, listen from the heart') and close with gratitude. For virtual teams, use a 'virtual token' passed via chat.',
Where it fits
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