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Mediate with LH, LLC
In mediatin what is an opening statement
In mediation what is an opening statement?
When opponents are able to participate in a joint session with all participants present it is quite common to allow each party to make an opening statement. The format and content of opening statement varies. When there is no preparation work done prior to the session it is common practice to ask �why are you here and what is it you hope to accomplish in this mediation?� When there is preparation and a �facilitative� approach is used the opening statement is normally focused on �issues� and �needs�. In these cases a mediator works with each client to narrow their focus on identified issues as a means to facilitate collaboration and find common ground. In the �why� and �what� approach the early part of a mediation is spent on identifying issues and needs before moving towards identifying common ground, closing gaps and disconnects, and moving towards resolution. The "why" and "what" approach runs a greater risk of being haphazard, less well thought out, reaching agreements which may more easily fall apart. The �why� and �what� approach is quite suitable for cases which are not complex.
During preparation I endeavor to make clients more like a chess player, meaning, think beyond one move and try to envision the entire board and game. The opening statement can play a pivotal role in this regard.
I will address opening statements more thoroughly and provide examples in my blog at:
