What are the best mediation opening statements?

Asked by: Daniella Labadie I  |  Last update: June 15, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (38 votes)

I'm (Mediator's Name) and this is (Mediator's Name). We will be serving as your Mediators. You may call us by our first names; how would you like us to address you? The purpose of our meeting is to help you work out an understanding acceptable to both of you to resolve the situation that has been developing for you.

What is a good opening statement for mediation?

I am a [certified*] mediator trained to assist in resolving disputes such as the one before us today. I am pleased to be here to assist you in working through your issues and believe you will find mediation to be a very helpful process. Thank you for committing to be here today.

How do you start a mediation statement?

How To Draft A Mediation Brief
  • 1) A short description of the case and the key legal and factual issues.
  • 2) Status of the litigation.
  • 3) A summary of settlement discussions to date, if any.
  • 4) Roadblock to Settlement: Describe what you believe to be the current roadblock to settlement.

How do you start a mediation conversation?

Starting the Conversation

Helping to start the conversation off well is an important part of that. Welcome – Thank and acknowledge them for being here to address this conflict. Let them know the steps you're going to take to open the space and how you'll support them throughout.

Who makes the opening statement in a mediation?

Opening Statement by Mediators

The mediation begins with a statement by the mediators.

Mediation Role Play | Mediator Opening Statement

28 related questions found

How long should a mediation opening statement be?

Opening statements typically run one to three minutes in length and rarely more than five minutes. Opening statements will be longer if many questions are asked or if the function of the opening state- ment must also fulfill goals of educating the disputants about some aspect of mediation.

Who makes the first opening statement?

In a jury trial, the first opening statement is made by the Prosecuting Attorney, followed by the Defense Attorney. The prosecution presents their case against the defendant, after which the defense outlines its strategy.

What should you not say during mediation?

Disrespectful Comments

Making unnecessary comments under your breath, having a negative attitude, or rolling your eyes won't help you. The defense team might decide they don't want to meet you halfway to reach an agreement if you mistreat them. The mediator might not want to work with you, either.

What words do you use during mediation?

We then asked the mediators what words do you use to prime parties for the mediation process? The responses included 'efficient,' 'fair,' 'listen,' 'partner,' 'together,' 'trust,' 'appreciate,' 'willingness,' 'result,' 'path,' 'future' and 'please.

What is a good example of mediation?

Here is an examples of a scenario that can benefit from mediation: Two community activists assigned to work in the same neighborhood disagree about how to interact with residents and aren't working well together as a result of the disagreement. The entire group can sense the tension between the two.

What is a simple sentence for mediation?

The case is currently in mediation. Have we lost a sense of looking without mediation? He is refusing to go to mediation. The mediation did not lead to a settlement.

What is the introduction of mediation?

"Mediation” is a process in which a mediator facilitates communication and negotiation between parties to assist them in reaching a voluntary win- win resolution to their conflict. “We all have a responsibility here to resolve this.”

What is the opening statement of an arbitrator?

An effective opening statement has three objectives: to provide the arbitrator with a framework or roadmap of the critical facts, contract provisions, and law of the case; to establish your credibility and build rapport with the arbitrator; and to persuade the arbitrator that your client is right and should win the ...

What is the perfect opening statement?

Simplicity is key in an opening statement. Avoid overwhelming the jury with too much information. Focus on the most critical aspects of your case and present them in a clear, straightforward manner. Use simple, direct sentences and avoid technical terms.

What makes a good mediation statement?

A mediation statement should distill the issues in the case. Less is always more. Start with a single paragraph identifying the parties and summarizing the claims. Provide a concise summary of the key facts without the gory details, as objectively as possible.

How to make an opening statement in negotiation?

How to start a negotiation: Four simple steps to build your...
  1. Start by collecting information. ...
  2. Sort your information into “facts” and “norms” ...
  3. Decide what information you and your counterpart agree on (or not) ...
  4. Build your opening argument. ...
  5. In conclusion…

What questions do mediators ask?

Some Generic Questions (1)
  • What question, if answered, could make the greatest difference to the future?
  • What's important to you about the question? ...
  • What draws you to this issue, conflict or question?
  • What's our intention here? ...
  • What opportunities do you see in it?

How to prepare for mediation with a narcissist?

Tips on Preparing for a Successful Divorce or Child Custody Mediation with a Narcissist
  1. Limit Interaction Outside of Mediation. ...
  2. Establish Boundaries. ...
  3. Avoid Playing Their Game. ...
  4. Try to Stay Calm & Stay Professional. ...
  5. Focus on Your Goals Rather Than Narcissistic Actions. ...
  6. Document Everything. ...
  7. Stay Persistent.

Do I have to say anything in mediation?

The mediator will likely have everyone introduce themselves and will explain the process. The mediator will then tell you that discussions during the mediation are privileged and cannot be divulged at a hearing or trial and nothing said at the mediation can be brought up later.

What is the golden rule of mediation?

The Golden Rule of Mediation is to treat others as you would like to be treated during the negotiation process. It embodies the principles of fairness, respect, and collaboration, guiding parties to engage in negotiations in good faith and with a focus on achieving a mutually beneficial resolution.

What is the hardest part of mediation?

The most difficult part of the mediation process is to get people to accept that mediation can be an effective way to resolve their dispute. Most disputes tend to be very personal and some people want their day in court, whatever the cost.

When should you walk away from mediation?

In short, when a trusted third-party advisor counsels you that is time to let it go. When mediation is not an option. When you are focused on sunk costs to recover rather than pertinent information now. When your focus is on fairness rather than objective criteria.

What can you not say in an opening statement?

Prosecutors and defense attorneys generally have considerable latitude in what they're allowed to say in opening statement. That said, they're not allowed to "argue" (argument is saved for closing), nor are they allow to refer to inadmissible evidence or facts they don't intend to or can't prove.

How do opening statements start?

Opening statements include such phrases as, “Ms. Smith will testify under oath that she saw Mr. Johnson do X,” and “The evidence will show that Defendant did not do Y.” Although opening statements should be as persuasive as possible, they should not include arguments. They come at the end of the trial.

What is an example of an opening statement in court?

Good morning, my name is John Smith, and I am the prosecutor in this case. It is my pleasure to represent the people of this state. On October 3rd, 2009, the defendant in this case [describe what he or she did in detail]. At the conclusion of the case we will ask for a verdict of guilty.