ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the communication approaches associated with effective mediation. It begins by defining community mediation and explaining the various areas of community mediation practice. The chapter discusses the classification of mediation approaches into different styles. It presents a discussion of specific interventions mediators use with the aim of transforming the conflict situation. It discusses facets of the mediation context—including gender, culture, and conflict type—in relation to their importance for effective mediation. Finally, the chapter addresses pre-mediation concerns and mediation session activities such as intake inquiries, room set-up, and agenda setting. Much of the skill associated with competent mediation emerges from choices related to mediator interventions. Given the vast array of strategies and tactics available to mediators, one must be responsive to the current situation in order to increase the effectiveness of the negotiation situation. A variety of context-related issues may influence both the mediators' and the parties' behavior.
