While it is firmly believed that facilitative mediation is most appropriate for family mediation, it is essential that all parties in the mediation have an understanding of what the process will be so that the needs of the client can be met. Before entering a discussion of the process of facilitative mediation, it should be noted that mediation skills are important in every conflict resolver s bag of tools. To that end, a brief mention of appropriate listening skills is in order. Good listening skills provide the foundation of mediation and every other positive personal interaction. Good listeners will employ all of the following techniques to engender trust and a feeling of being respected in the people with whom they are interacting.
Body language is a universal means of communicating.
A listening professional is aware of the cues that they are giving in order to indicate they are engaged with the client. Eye contact, body orientation, style of dress are all important not only in what an individual transmits, but what they are receiving. For example, while maintaining eye contact is important, it must be done in a culturally sensitive manner. By re-stating that which has been stated, including facts and feelings, the active listener shows that he is focusing on the speaker s story and is building rapport with the speaker. Echoing that which is spoken can also accomplish some of this goal, while directing the conversation in an unobtrusive fashion.