talking stick

Speaker's ceremonial object

A talking stick is an object passed among participants in a group discussion, granting whoever holds it the exclusive right to speak.

The practice derives from Indigenous North American council traditions.

The term extends to any object serving this turn-taking function: We use a talking stick in our family meetings so everyone gets heard.

communication

dialogue

Spoken exchange between parties

uninterrupted · speaker · silence · patience · exchange · discourse · expression · voice · sharing · storytelling

ceremony

ritual

Ceremonial set of actions

assembly · convocation · forum · congregation · observance · rite · dedication · commemoration · summit · symposium

artifact

staff

Organization's workers collectively

feather · beadwork · handcraft · heirloom · symbol · ornamentation · inlay · engraving · leather · ceremonial object

indigenous

Native American

Original inhabitants of America

elders · clan · ancestors · heritage · customs · spirituality · oral tradition · wisdom · sovereignty · sacred

respect

honor

High regard, moral dignity

consideration · acknowledgment · deference · attentiveness · appreciation · mutual respect · inclusion · empowerment · validation · presence

Categories
Opposites
communication authority method

talking stickgag

Mouth restraint or jest

muzzle · silencing · censorship · gavel · shouting down

communication philosophy

talking stickfree-for-all

Unregulated group conflict

crosstalk · shouting match · parliamentary procedure · lecture · monologue

speech dynamics

talking sticksilencer

Sound-dampening gun attachment

muzzle · gag · free-for-all · crosstalk · pandemonium

Family

talking, stick, talk, talks, talked, talker, talkers, sticks, stuck

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G