Visualizing Mediation Micro-Skills
Mediation Micro-Skills – Card Deck
The MAS ETH MPP program, in consultation with relevant experts, has developed Download a deck of 34 cards (PDF, 3.5 MB), each representing an individual micro-skill, particularly relevant for peace mediation. The deck includes 14 communication skills, 6 types of questions, 9 attitudinal skills and 5 cards representing the Five Phase Model of Mediation (a card for each phase). Each card includes a unique graphic on the front and a definition and examples on the back.
Feel free to use them for learning, training, or mediation related purposes!
If you are interested in getting a hard copy of the deck of cards, please get in touch with the MAS ETH MPP program at to discuss further.
The Five Phase Model of Mediation – An Animated Overview
The Five Phase Model of Mediation offers a simple and systematic way of structuring a mediation process. Each phase is essential and there is a logic to its sequencing: (1) Introduction, (2) sharing perspectives to reach an agenda, (3) identifying underlying interests, (4) creating and assessing relevant options for resolution, and (5) concluding. Internalising this logic – as both a skill and a mindset – will help mediation practitioners implement it intuitively, adapting to context, and in one’s unique personal style.
This video illustration introduces the five phase model of mediation:
Interviews with expert mediators Zaza Elsheikh and Christopher Moore
In these short video snippets, Zaza Elsheikh (external page BIMA) and Christopher Moore (external page CDR Associates) exemplify the use of micro-skills (for example, how to summarize, reframe, or respond to attacks) answer questions about micro-skills (such as what questions do you use most frequently? And are there questions you would never ask?), about attitudinal skills (such as how do you show empathy? What do you notice about body language? And what do you do for self-care?) and about mediation in general (for example, is it an art or a science? What are your “red lines” or what conflict would you not agree to mediator? And what are your tips for young mediators?).
See titles and links to all videos by Zaza Elsheikh external page here and by Christopher Moore external page here
Be a “Fly on The Wall” of a Mediation: Enacted Documentaries Showcasing the Five Phase Model of Mediation
In these two enacted documentaries, you will find examples of two mediation processes that also follow the Five Phase Model of Mediation (see animation video above for more details on the model). Zaza Elsheikh (external page BIMA) mediates a simulated conflict between two neighbors, while Christopher Moore (external page CDR Associates) mediates a simulated conflict between a mining company and local community representative.
Conflict parties in both enacted documentaries are played by professional actors: Beverley Worboys and JC Williams.
The documentaries will be uploaded shortly.
Enacted Documentary 1: Neighborhood dispute
Mediator: Zaza Elsheikh
Conflict context: About six months ago, family B, moved in next door to Mr. A, who has been living in the neighborhood his whole life. Almost every Sunday the B’s extended family and friends join them for a lunch party. One month ago, Mr. A sent a note to the new neighbors explaining the local regulations with regards to noise and asked them to stop their noisy gatherings. Family B responded by making an even louder celebration the following week. Mr. A contacted the municipality who suggested mediation before taking this any further.
Enacted Documentary 2: Community-Company dispute
Mediator: Christopher Moore
Conflict context: One year ago, a foreign Mining Company was given permission to start an excavation in a region rich in resources. The authorisation was granted by the state in the hopes of raising money for the country. This happened without the consent of the local indigenous community, who was afraid that their traditional rights to the use of the land will be ignored. The locals also demand employment opportunities at the mine, as the mining company has mainly brought in foreign employees to work at the site. While the local communities held a march against the company, protesters clashed with the police and one protester was killed by a tear-gas grenade, heightening tensions. Efforts by the government to facilitate a dialogue between the Company and the Community failed and the state has therefore turned to the help of a professional mediator.