As discussed in class, your assignment will be to write your own Opening/Introduction to the Mediation process, that you would give to the two parties involved with your Mediation. Be sure to script out the Introduction the same way you would give it in person. You should hit the main points that we discussed in class:

-Develop a rapport with the parties to make them comfortable

-Explain the Mediation Process and the way you will conduct things, so they know what they are involved with now

-Explain the other ADR Processes past Mediation, and describe them in some what of a negative light, so to create an incentive to settle in Mediation.

-Sell the Mediation Process

-Sell yourself (but, as we discussed-do so, subliminally)

-Describe that they have a "say" in what occurs still in Mediation

-Always Maintain your neutrality

-Describe how all things discussed in Mediation during private caucuses are Confidential, and can only be shared with the other side as a question, comment, proposal, etc., if they authorize the Mediator to share such things.

-Add anything from the Textbook or our discussions that you feel is important to include in an Introduction.