Remote mediation – by phone or online – has been growing in popularity for some time. This has, for the most part, accommodated participants in remote locations, interstate opponents or international business.

Now, more than ever before, remote mediation is increasing in popularity, by necessity.

I’m sure many of you have been involved in a teleconference or more recently, a zoom meeting at work. It’s not ideal for mediators in many ways. We are already fully absorbed in facilitating the discussions and negotiations between the parties, watching for visual clues, reframing perspectives, maintaining empathetic neutrality, overcoming impasses, and so on, and now we need to control technology too! Not easy and quite exhausting. But with some preparation, much less threatening for everyone involved.

And, if we can learn a new way to continue helping our clients, all the better. Some problems simply can’t wait!

There are a few online platforms designed specifically for mediation. These are not essential and in fact, some people still prefer the phone. We can do either or a flexible mix.

Provided everyone is comfortable and prepared, the technology won’t matter. Check out the tips below:

• Ensure you have good phone reception and/or sound internet connection
• Ensure your camera and headset work and are correctly positioned
• Test your technology beforehand and practice using it
• Remove noisy distractions (such as children and pets!)
• Remember to look into the camera and not at yourself!
• Speak clearly
• Focus completely on the conversation
• Do not record the mediation (because, confidentiality)
• Use a background if possible
• Dress appropriately
• Ensure you complete and sign any necessary documents prior to and after the mediation as guided by your mediator. E-signature are accepted
• Be sure to provide your mediator with any necessary material (mediation bundle) on time.

Contact us to discuss how we can assist you in using online mediation services to resolve your dispute.