COMMENT FOR THE DAY #61 – EPISODE 1

MEDIATION

The Mediator’s opening statement is important. It sets the tone. Get it wrong + you are struggling. Is the Mediator up to the task?

The Mediator can avoid problems if he/she does two things. First, the mediator has to be organised + know the points to be made in the opening. List them, practice them, even memorise them.

The bigger problem is lack of fluency. Too many “uhms” and “you know” + awkward pauses creates a bad atmosphere. The Mediator comes over badly; the initiative is lost; you are on the back foot.

Solution? Become fluent. But how? Isn’t it a “gift of the gab”. No! You can acquire fluency.

Here is a tip. You are out driving. The car in front has a number plate with the following letters – RHM. This is what you do. Talk to yourself for 2 minutes about RHM. Make it up on the spot. For example “I am pleased to speak to you on behalf of the Royal Home of Mariners. We provide support for able-bodied seamen who have served in the Royal Navy but hit hard times. Heroes yesterday – victims today…” Just keep talking + do it regularly. More fluency tips tomorrow.