Talking stick

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The talking stick was used in Native North American tribes at council meetings. It was used as courtesy not to interrupt a chief when he was speaking. The talking stick was then passed to the next council member who wished to speak. The stick was a ceremonial item and was decorated with eagle feathers and crystals to show its significance.

Some tribes used a talking feather instead of a stick, while others used a peace pipe, a wampum belt, a sacred shell or other object by which the tribe designated the right to speak.

Nowadays it is used still by many groups, especially in groups of children or adults who need help preventing discussions from degenerating into cacophonies. It can make sure that people listen to what is being said and can help keep an interesting discussion focussed. In particular, it is used in talking circles.

A similar concept is that of the 'conch' in the book Lord of the Flies by William Golding. The only person allowed to talk during meetings is the one holding the conch.