….
TOT 198- WEEK 198
(Objective of this weekly blog is to help the trainers giving training in mediation to strengthen their skill sets)
“ Exercise to Concept”
In mediation training, at times, the trainer introduces a topic , elaborates on the concept by giving required inputs, and thereafter in order to strengthen the understanding gives some practical /simulation exercises.
However, in some situations trainer begins with an exercise, and based on the experience of the trainees gained through the exercise, develops an understanding in the mind of the trainees about the concept .
Ex: Giving Training in leading the conversation:-
Trainer to choose two participants. Give them a common topic.
Trainer asks them to converse with each other on the given topic., without announcing the “topic” to the trainees or anyone .
Set a time limit of ten minutes for their conversation.
Request the trainees to watch the conversation.
Debriefing:
After ten minutes Trainer has to do the debriefing:-
Ask the participants to answer the following:-
- Could they make out what was the topic the two were discussing ?
- Who initiated the conversation?
- Who lead the conversation?
- Were both talking simultaneously?
- Who was talking more ?
- Who was listening with empathy?
- What was the end result?
- What did they understand from the conversation?
Then,
Ask the two participants?
What did each one understand from the other?
Then
Trainer to give all inputs about :-
Elements of strategic conversation
- Understanding the objective of conversation before stepping in to consideration
- (ii) Initiation of conversation
- How to take the conversation forward
- Possible Obstacles
Techniques to lead the conversation:-
(a) Acknowledgment
(b) Active listening
c) Effective questioning
(d) Mindfulness
(e) Identifying the effect or result of conversation
What is the objective of this exercise?
This simulation exercise will help the trainee mediators to understand all nuances of strategic conversation.
They will know how to set an agenda and set an atmosphere for healthy and fruitful conversation between the parties in actual mediation.
They will know how to assist the parties to enable them to make the best use of subsequent joint sessions.
They will also know as mediators how they have to initiate and take the conversation forward to make it meaningful and fruitful conversation., when they are part of strategic conversations.
“The best conversationalists are curious about everything. That is why they are good at listening and why they have broad horizons- they are always learning something new.”
Larry King- American Author
(All copyrights reserved by the Author S.Susheela)
Training of Trainers in Mediation 