A professional mediator utilizes a number of important skills to effectively advocate for settlement by the parties during personal injury mediation in Houston TX. One of these skills is actively listening. By engaging in active listening, a mediator can help communicate with the parties better throughout the process of personal injury mediation in Houston TX.
Research indicates that many people ignore anywhere between 70 and 90 percent of what someone says to them. Instead of listening, many people simply formulate a response to what the other person is saying rather than really focusing on what that party is saying. However, if a mediator follows this general trend, a lot of relevant, important information will be lost. Mediators know how important it is to actively listen, especially in cases involving personal injuries. A mediator provides undivided attention to the person who is speaking in order to gather all of the necessary information that is being conveyed.
An effective strategy to actively listen is to rephrase what the speaker said in one’s own words. The speaker then communicates whether this interpretation was correct or not. If the mediator is correct, the speaker feels affirmed. If the mediator’s summary is incorrect, the speaker can correct any misunderstandings. This method helps clarify important facts and issues.
Active listening helps ensure that the person listening understands what is being said. It helps build trust and rapport between the mediator and the speaker. After the speaker sees the mediator performing this ritual, he or she may begin to copy it when communicating with the other party, leading to clarity and better understanding.
LAW OFFICE OF JOHN W. KELLY, JR.
