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TOT 204-WEEK
(Note:-The objective of this blog post is to help the trainers giving training in mediation to strengthen their training skills.)
When it comes to communication by a trainer , it cannot just be sharing of information. There has to be purpose , coupled with clarity. Purpose has to precede communication. Clarity has to be demonstrated part of communication by a trainer .
Even though presentation skills are learnable skills, and can be inculcated over a period of time, the credibility of a trainer depends more on the contents delivered. As many topics and sub topics, dealt in mediation training are interconnected, trainer cannot go wrong on the understanding of the concepts. It is in this context ‘clarity of thoughts ‘ plays a vital role.
Two guiding principles that can be considered are :
Sharing by a trainer is not just sharing of words.
Sharing means sharing of meaning.
Example 1: Statement by the trainer:-
“Open ended questions should not be asked in joint session”.
Before making such a statement trainer has to think, (i)whether this statement is correct? (ii) What would this statement of mine communicate? (iii) Would such statement from my end mean my incorrect understanding of the concept of “ open ended question”. (iv)What do I want to communicate? (v) To bring out clarity, can I use qualifiers.. like “ Some Open ended questions may be avoided in joint sessions.”
Example 2: Statement by a trainer in a session on the role of third parties
When third parties try to impose their views on the disputing party, the mediator has to WARN the third parties and REMIND them with a STERN VOICE that ‘they cannot be controlling the party, and that they should know their limitations.’
Before making such statements trainer has to think:
- Whether such statement would mean being disrespectful to the third party ? (ii) Whether there is a possibility that the party/third party thinks that the mediator’s neutrality is compromised, and the mediator has started thinking what is good or not good for the party? (iii) Whether such statement would mean that the trainer has no broader and deeper understanding of the concept of “ party’s right of self determination” which would encompass within itself the right to consult others and take their advice if found acceptable .(iv) Whether the trainer has not understood the deeper meaning of role of third parties in mediation? Etc..
The above examples will demonstrate how a trainer’s statement might raise several questions. It is always advisable to move with clarity .
However the very same statements can be used for discussions as fillers during training when time of ten- to- fifteen minutes’ is available. The topic – with the above said statements can be used – and the discussion from amongst the trainees can be encouraged. This would make them understand what can be done and what cannot be done, during actual /live mediations.
“In a world deluged by irrelevant information, clarity is power.”
Yuvai Noah Harari- Writer- Professor.
(All copyrights reserved by the author.S.Susheela)
Training of Trainers in Mediation 