A brief pause after someone speaks and before the next person begins is often helpful to give others time to digest what the first person has said. Morgan explained that up to two people can stand outside of consensus. If someone is fundamentally opposed to a decision, or feels that they cannot sleep at night knowing that the decision has been made, they have the option to block consensus, thus requiring that the group continue discussion. One of the most important things about consensus is that it doesn't leave behind an unhappy minority. Elizabeth noted that the goal of consensus is unity, not unanimity.
People often make the same decision for different reasons.
Anthony mentioned that it would be helpful to work on skills to use in situations when the two parties who are being mediated hold completely different opinions. Laura requested that training focus on general skills of communication, such as learning to recognize where people are coming from. The conference involves students from both military and civilian schools which have some form of Honor Code. Elizabeth explained that the conference involves a mixture of panels and small group discussions. One of the small group discussions the year she attended involved formulating a plan for an 'ideal' Honor Code.