"The View Beyond The Balcony" by Randy Weeks
I have a dream. It is a dream that is unlikely to come about, but isn’t that the stuff of which dreams are made?
Before we had electricity, was it not a dream? Before we had airplanes, was it not a dream? Before we had indoor plumbing, was it not a dream? Before we had telephones, was it not a dream? Before we had cars and such, was it not a dream?
What is my dream? My dream is that someday a television news network will have a panel show that uses the talking stick method (TSM). What is the talking stick method?
Based on the ancient practice of America’s indigenous people, the talking stick method respects each person’s right to voice their opinions/beliefs without interruption. The participants sit in a circle (no tables preferred). The speaker holds a stick (just about any small object will do, like a pencil, pen, poker chip, etc.) for an agreed upon length of time (usually about 1–2 minutes) and speaks their piece. After a respectful pause, they pass the stick to the next person in the group to give them the chance to speak until everyone has had their opportunity to voice their thoughts, should they so choose.
The TSM reduces conflict, empowers the less assertive people, discourages serial interrupters, encourages restoration rather than division, promotes listening, and much more.
On television, the moderator would not moderate the content nearly as much as the method. They would make sure panelists stuck to the rules of engagement. They would not permit panelists to change the subject until all had spoken to it by bringing subject shifters back to the topic.
Potential problems could be:
- The format is not conducive to traditional television formats that appear to thrive on dissension and an urgency to speak rather than listening. On the other hand, TSM thrives on respect, order, and hearing.
- The format may not please commercial sponsors. On the other hand, the TSM format may, by appealing to a demographic like moi, become more attractive to commercial sponsors.
- The format may not easily fit into a one-hour time segment. On the other hand, when using the TSM, television networks could set aside as much time as they want to for rational, respectful discourse.
- The format doesn’t model divisive, contentious disputation which can produce dopamine that yields a heightened sense of urgency. On the other hand, the TSM format doesn’t model divisive, contentious disputation, rather, it models respect for each person’s right to their own opinions without the fear of hostile verbal attacks.
An additional benefit of using the TSM is that it can help those who use it recognize and control their emotional triggers. We all have them, but when we’re able to recognize them in time, we have the power to stop them. I know what it’s like to catch triggers in time to stop them. I also know what it’s like to not.
NewsNight with Abby Phillip on CNN is the closest thing to TSM I’ve seen on TV. In general, the tenor of the discussions are much more civilized than other such programs. Phillip saves a few minutes at the end of the show for each panelist to speak for 30 seconds without interruption. The tension in the room immediately lowers and there is a pleasant camaraderie among everyone. I’m confident that were we to take the blood pressure of panelists at the end of most panels, their blood pressure would be through the roof compared to the panelists on NewsNight. Using TSM, the blood pressure could even be normal or close to it.
The talking stick method is good for our health and humanity. Why not give it a try in your own life? You speak first. I’ll listen.
…and that’s the View from Beyond the Balcony.
Randy Weeks is a Licensed Professional Counselor, writer, singer-songwriter, ordained minister, and a former triathlete. He very much likes rational, calm conversation which may sometimes include respectful disagreement. Randy may be reached at: randallsweeks@gmail.com
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