The Art of Communication – Part 3

Non-Verbal Communication

There are a whole host of non-verbal methods of getting the point across . . . or not, in a conversation.

Body Language:

Body language is a very powerful tool. We had body language before we had speech, and apparently, 80% of what you understand in a conversation is read through the body, not the words. – - Deborah Bull

As mediators, we are very aware of body language. If a person is sitting in a session with their arms crossed, for example, it is our responsibility to find out what is going on behind that body stance. It is important to identify what is going on with each party so that the mediation will flow properly. It is the mediator’s responsibility to acknowledge the person who has their arms crossed and find out what that gesture means. We encourage them to verbalize what the problem is, and describe what they are feeling or what is going on within them. Other forms of body language that are red flags would be avoidance of eye contact, shifting in the seat, facial expressions, twitching of the foot, and doodling.

The Art of Communication – Part 2

Talking and Listening

 

Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and
be influenced by them for good or ill. –Buddha

“Effective communication starts with listening.” — Robert Gately

In any communication, there is a relationship between the person who is speaking and the person who is the listener. Between the two people there can be a lot of static which can be as a result of personal experience, tone of voice, or preconceived ideas. If you have a history of anger, that anger can impede communication so that your listening skills becomes impaired. You are actually sabotaging yourself by not listening properly. It is our responsibility, as mediators, to transform that anger into a positive dialog.

The Art of Communication – Part I

Communication is the activity of conveying meaningful information.

Because mediation is a non-adversarial process, our clients are encouraged to express what they are feeling. It sounds simple enough, but communication can be the biggest stumbling block in any mediation because there are so many different aspects to it. This blog is the first of a three part series on the various aspects to communication. In Part 1, we will cover communicating emotions and information processing.

Don’t Miss Mediation Settlement Day!!

Gloria receiving Senate Proclamation Award from Senator Martins

Do you have concerns regarding matrimonial issues such as visitation rights, financial issues of child support/maintenance, prenuptial, or post-nuptial agreements?

What about elder care problems or a small business situation such as an employee disagreement?

If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, you have a dispute that needs resolution. Mediation & Collaborative Action Group (MECOAG) specializes in effectively addressing and resolving family and business conflicts without threat of litigation through methods of mediation and collaboration. These processes have proven to be less costly, less emotionally charged, more effective and more efficient for their clients.

Rita receiving the Senate Proclamation Award from Senator Zeldin (right) and Assembleman Fitzpatrick.

Mediation & Collaborative Action Group partners Gloria Ciolli and Rita Medaglio-Barrera will be available to answer any of your concerns regarding dispute resolution through mediation and collaboration at the annual Mediation Settlement Day, Thursday, Oct 20, 2011 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Held every October since 2001, Mediation Settlement Day is designed to raise awareness about the many benefits of mediation. Unlike arbitration, mediation is intended to bring both parties in a dispute together to work out a mutually agreeable, non-confrontational agreement to end a possible legal dispute.

Answering questions and promoting public awareness of the benefits of alternative conflict resolution through mediation and collaborative law is not new to this very busy duo. For the past 3 years, Rita and Gloria have been building their business based on the processes of mediation and collaboration which can be used to resolve a multitude of issues including:

• Divorce
• Premarital agreements
• Parenting plans
• Visitation rights
• Tenant-landlord issues
• Small business problems
• Post divorce issues
• Elder care decisions
• Financial planning

Recently State Senator Jack M. Martins presented Gloria with a Proclamation/Resolution adopted by New York State Senate and New York State Assembly in Albany.

Rita was also honored with a Proclamation/Resolution adopted by New York State Senate and New York State Assembly in Albany by State Senator Lee M. Zeldin and Assemblyman Michael J. Fitzpatrick.

These Proclamations were presented by each partner’s district Senator and Assemblyman in recognition of their receipt of the Sally Anne Slacke/Linda Jasper Memorial Award by the Research & Education Fund of Suffolk County Women’s Business Enterprise Coalition. Gloria and Rita were honored in recognition of their company’s exemplary business model and their contribution to the mediation and collaborative profession.

While the Award and State Proclamation/Resolution are very prestigious, the larger impact will be in allowing the firm to further their efforts in educating the public. They will do this through the media and increased public relations efforts.

“We are more concerned in informing the community on mediation and collaborative versus going to litigation. We want to save relationships. If you have ever sued anyone you know it is a very difficult, trying, traumatic and emotional time. We want to try to avoid that.”

In addition to Mediation Settlement Day, MECOAG will also participate in three other upcoming events:

 Elder Mediation
October 18, 2011 at The Landmark, 3:30 pm
232 Main Street, Port Washington, NY

 Melville Chamber of Commerce Business Expo
90px;”> October 25, 2011 at the Melville Marriott from 1-6 pm

Work/Life Conference
November 4, 2011 at The National Association of Mothers’ Center
Crest Hollow Country Club from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm

If you would like more information about mediation and collaborative law, feel free to contact MECOAG at 631-393-4456 —- all calls are confidential.