Mediation is about to go mainstream in the Gauteng High Court. It's time to dust off your mediation skills, whether you are a mediator or a potential representative in mediation. The one-day in-person Conflict Dynamics Mediator Skills Refresher session will give you the opportunity to be reminded of key aspects of the mediation process and essential skills for managing an effective mediation. The session is suited for accredited mediators.

1. Mediator competencies
2. Preparation Phase
   1. Phases in the mediation process
   2. Typical pattern of mediation meetings
   3. Comprehensive mediation process
   4. Purpose and key objectives
   5. Preparation meetings and working with lawyers
3. Opening phase
   1. Purpose and key objectives
   2. First impressions and establishing rapport
   3. Role-play practice
4. Exploration phase and option generation 
   1. Purpose and key objectives
   2. What is the mediator exploring?
   3. How is the mediator exploring?
   4. The use of joint and side meetings
   5. Working with confidentiality and beginning to convey information
   6. Role-play practice
5. Choosing options and bargaining
   1. Purpose and key objectives
   2. Moving from exploring to bargaining?
   3. The bargaining range, the power of offers and conventions in bargaining
   4. Dealing with deadlock and reality testing
   5. Role-play practice
6. Concluding
7. Mediator ethics