Whenever the mediator makes an opening statement to the disputants, there are essential elements in the opening designed to develop trust and rapport as well as define the process and procedure of mediation. Chris Moore, one of the most respected authors in the Conflict Resolution field, has suggested the following checklist be used. Please note that the rubric used to grade your opening statement paper evaluates the same criteria. Your original mediation metaphor should be included within the opening statement as well.
The opening statement should contain about eleven elements: