What is a good opening statement for mediation?

Asked by: Hilda Schaden PhD  |  Last update: February 3, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (65 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.

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.

What is a good example of an opening statement?

Often, the easiest way to present a coherent theme is to state it in a straightforward manner as your introductory sentence: “Ladies and gentlemen, this case is about unfair competition by the defendant.” In other situations, the theme may come out more subtly, as you tell a story that slowly unfolds.

Who makes the opening statement in a mediation?

Opening Statement by Mediators

The mediation begins with a statement by the mediators.

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.” Negotiable.

Mediation Role Play | Mediator Opening Statement

41 related questions found

What do you say at the beginning of a mediation?

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.

How do you introduce a mediation session?

Good afternoon, my name is _______________ and I am serving as your mediator today. 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.

Who makes the opening statement in mediation?

As mentioned above, the mediator and the parties can give opening statements at a mediation. The opening statement will look very different from the parties' statements regarding the purpose and necessary elements.

Who makes an opening statement first?

An opening statement is made by the attorney for the plaintiff. The attorney for the defendant may then make an opening statement. The purpose of opening statements is to outline to the jury what each side contends the evidence will establish. A general idea of what the case is about is thus presented to the jury.

What is an opening statement in negotiation?

Opening statements set the stage for a constructive and collaborative negotiation process. An effective opening statement should clarify your intent and priorities and establish a positive atmosphere that encourages open communication and problem-solving.

What is a strong opening sentence?

Start with the chase. A good hook might also be a question or a claim—anything that will elicit an emotional response from a reader. Think about it this way: a good opening sentence is the thing you don't think you can say, but you still want to say. Like, “This book will change your life.”

What is a catchy opening statement?

A hook is an opening statement (which is usually the first sentence) in an essay that attempts to grab the reader's attention so that they want to read on. It can be done by using a few different types of hooks, which are a question, quote, statistic, or anecdote.

How should I start my opening statement?

Your opening statement should start with a hook that grabs your reader's attention and makes them curious about what's to come. A hook can be a surprising fact, an intriguing question, or a vivid description.

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.

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.

How do I start mediation?

The first step in starting mediation is for all parties to agree to the process. Mediation is a voluntary process, which means everyone involved must consent to participate. No one can be forced into mediation against their will. If you're the one proposing mediation, you'll need to present it as a beneficial option.

What are examples of opening statements?

Some examples:
  • “This is a case about taking chances.”
  • “Mary Jones had a dream and a plan.”
  • “Revenge. That's what this case is all about.”
  • “This is also a case about pain. Mr. Johnson's only companion today is constant pain.”
  • “This is a case about police brutality”

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 long should an opening statement be?

The opening statement should not contain argument; rather, it should be a factual statement that lasts from 10 to 30 minutes. Follow these guidelines to craft a winning and engaging opening statement that juries will remember.

What is an example of a mediation opening statement?

Sample Opening Statement

Mediation provides you with an opportunity to talk with the person with whom you are having a dispute. As mediator, my role is to assist you in talking to each other. It is not my job, nor am I permitted, to decide who is right or wrong, or to tell you how to resolve your conflict.

What to include in a 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.

Who makes the final decision in mediation?

Mediation is a non-binding process. This means that while they're highly qualified with conflict resolution skills and legal knowledge, mediators don't have the power to make a final decision. That is ultimately left to the two arguing parties, who must voluntarily agree to a resolution.

What is mediation introduction?

Mediation involves the intervention of a third person, or mediator, into a dispute to assist the parties in negotiating jointly acceptable resolution of issues in conflict. The mediator meets with the parties at a neutral location where the parties can discuss the dispute and explore a variety of solutions.

What to say during mediation?

You are trying to persuade the other party and not the mediator, therefore speak directly to him or her. Describe particular behaviour rather than making generalizations. Avoid using words like “always” and “never.” Give concrete examples to illustrate your point of view.

What is the opening stage of mediation?

Opening statements — The parties describe the dispute and how it affects them. Mediators usually want to hear initial ideas on potential resolutions. The mediator does not permit interruptions by the other party while one party is speaking.