Beijing Arbitration Commission Mediation Center Held “Development of Communication and Negotiation Skills and Training of Mediation Practice” Successfully
Zhang Jishuang^*

Beijing Arbitration Center mediation center and the dispute mediation center of Chinese Arbitration Association successfully held the course named “Development of Communication and Negotiation Skills and Training of Mediation Practice” between August 15 and 17, 2012, which was given lectures by the vice chairman of the dispute mediation center of Chinese Arbitration Association Ms. Lin Yao， Ms. Chen Xijia and Mr. Li Jihong, vice CEO of the dispute mediation center of Chinese Arbitration Association . 28 professionals from the field of law and economic & trade participated in the training.

The mediation center of Beijing Arbitration Commission has been devoted to promoting the function of mediation in commercial disputes, training talents on mediation with excellent skills and rich experience.since last August. Previously, the mediation center held several mediation trainings with professional mediation training institutions including Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution of US Pepperdine University and Institute of International Experts（IE，in HongKong）. The mediation training of this time is more “Chinese” by comparison, better combining international advanced mediation ideas with Chinese culture.

Three speakers introduced “facilitating mediation” to the trainees with their rich professional experience during the three-day courses. This mediation idea is new, different from previous ideas. The trainees experienced the essence, advantage and value of “facilitating mediation” through the expansion of seven elements of mediation and the deduction of mediation procedures. In addition to the new mediation ideas, the trainees experienced the mediation elements including “interest”, “scheme”, “standard” and “alternative solution” in practice through discussion and simulation in groups. The trainees sometimes argued with each other measure for measure and sometimes spoke taut with emotion. They listened to each other, balanced interests, formulated schemes and reached a compromise, carefully immersing in every “role”. After warm negotiations, the trainees actively shared their feelings during the role playing and the speakers commented on the performance of the trainees. The trainees promoted their practical skills after self-examination and conclusion.

The basic skill for mediation is communication. Ensure general awareness the position, need and interest of the parties and raising schemes shall be based on effective communication. The courses aim at “communication and negotiation”. The speakers also carefully and deeply interpret how to observe the parties, what is a perfect opening and how to control the emotion and atmosphere.

The trainees responded after the training that the training was somewhat of a brainstorm. Regular thinking model for mediation was impacted and a new view angle was opening, which would not only inspire the mediation of their area but also be helpful to interpersonal communication in personal lives. The trainees indicated that they would put what they learned into practice in future work and lives.

The mediation training has shown the mediation ideas and skills in combination of Chinese and western elements. The mediation center will continue to provide multiple, professional and individual mediation training in the future. All people in the area are expected to keep following and supporting commercial mediation career.