Introduction to "Mediation Skills and Techniques" workshop

In conjunction with the launching of “Mediation Skills and Techniques”, I conducted a workshop called “Introduction to Mediation Skills and Techniques” at the Raja Aziz Addruse Auditorium, Bar Council. We had over 40 participants in that workshop! I was informed that as at to date, this is the biggest group of participants in any Mediation training course held at the Bar Council.

The purpose of the workshop was to introduce some of the techniques in creating rapport, eliciting information and accessing the parties as an effective way in communicating with people. We started the workshop at 9.00am by doing a quick overview on what is Mediation and the protocols associated with Mediation. After that, we explore the concept of reframing, anchoring/associating and “mirroring”. We then applied those techniques in creating rapport and eliciting information. To demonstrate the use of those techniques, I had the privilege of meeting a very nice and enthusiastic Mediator by the name of Kamsimah Mohamed from the Financial Mediation Bureau. She sportingly volunteered to be my “target” and shared with us some information of her private life. Thank you, Kamsimah!

After that, we had a couple of breakout sessions and then time for a tea break. As usual, Mr. Ragu and his team (the caterers) provided some mouth watering food such as nasi lemak and some kueh for breakfast. I did not partake in the food as I normally do not have a heavy meal when conducting workshops.

After the break, we did listening skills and more techniques. I introduced the technique in picking up cues from the parties. That segment went on until 1.00pm. We then took an hour break for lunch. Again, the lunch prepared by Ragu was sumptious! What followed after lunch was something different. I decided to hypnotise the participants and created a “Circle of Excellence”. The “Circle of Excellence” is a subconscious programme that the participants can call on when they require a boost in their confidence either to speak or to perform in public or whenever they want to feel motivated.

Immediately following that, we did a role play. The role play was done in two different styles. The role players were Sivanesan Nadarajah, Rachel Brooke, Jonathan Yoon and myself. I think the participants enjoyed the role play as there were some laughter and applause.

All in all, I believe it was a pleasant workshop. I am truly privilege and honoured to have met so many people both from near and a far (as far as from Penang) who attended the workshop. Some of them include Natalie Shobana Ambrose (an Analyst with ISIS and a Columnist with The Sun), Kamsimah Mohamed (Financial Mediation Bureau), Nehrman (Financial Mediation Bureau), Ibrahim Baharom (IRD, Ministry of Human Resources), Farez Mohd Ali Jinnah (a young and upcoming lawyer) and Khairul Anuar Che Azmi (Universiti Sains Malaysia). If there are participants who are reading this article, feel free to comment as I would love to hear from you.