ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the potential uses of artistic improvisation (improv) in mediation by outlining and recommending improv skills, approaches, and techniques applicable to mediation. Improv, as practiced by stage directors, actors, and musicians, can be translated in principle to enhance mediation sessions by increasing the skills and techniques in a mediator's toolbox. Improv provides mediators and parties with the ability to communicate with openness and authenticity when it is done in a safe and conducive environment. To a certain degree, "mediation is always improve". Mediators can utilize vital people skills with help from improv exercises to be proactive in their on-demand interventions to promote momentum in mediation. Improv concepts can also guide co-mediators within a mediation session. During the opening statements, a mediator can introduce flexibility by highlighting the session's potential informality, self-determination, and collaboration, all qualities of effective improv. When a mediator facilitates the conversation between parties, they can aid in developing the issues at hand through improv activities.
