How has the Talking stick helped in improving communication?

 The concept of talking stick has played an integral part in native American government for centuries. In fact, some of the founding fathers of the American Republic (particularly Benjamin Franklin) were educated in the ideas behind the talking stick by Indian chiefs of the Iroquois Federation. It is a very powerful communication tool because while its tangible and physical, it embodies a concept that is powerfully synergistic. The talking stick represents how people with differences can come to understand one and another through mutual respect, which then enables them to solve their differences and problems synergistically, or at the very least through compromise. 

Here's the theory behind it. Whenever people meet together, the Talking stick is present. Only the person holding the stick is permitted to speak. As long as you have the Talking stick, you alone may speak, until you are satisfied that you are understood. Others are not permitted to make their own points, argue, agree or disagree. All they do is attempt to understand the one talking and then articulate that understanding. They may need to restate your mind to make sure you feel understood, or you just simply feel that they understand. As soon as you feel understood, it is your obligation to pass the stick to the other person and then to work to make them feel the same way. This way all parties involved take responsibly for one hundred percent of the communication, both speaking and listening. Once each of the parties feels understood, an amazing thing usually happens. Negative energy dissipates, contention evaporates, mutual respect grows, and people become creative. New ideas emerge. 

To understand does not mean to agree with. It just means to be able to see with the other person's eyes, heart, mind and spirit. One of the deepest needs of the human soul is to be understood. FEELING UNDERSTOOD IS THE EQUIVALENT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL AIR...

Information worth spreading :)

Source; The 8th habit by Stephen R covey.