Basic negotiation techniques refer to the various tools that effective mediators may use to create value by applying interest- based negotiation strategies that seek to generate additional value, instead of merely seeking to distribute the existing one.

Questioning is one of the key skills employed by the mediator to guide the discussion in a way that allows the parties to gather all necessary information and to transition to the next stage, which is focused on their interests.

Mirroring refers to the mediator’s ability to deepen the understanding of the parties’ concerns and perspectives by actively and empathetically listening and reflecting what has been said. This can be achieved by either repeating the person’s words verbatim or paraphrasing them. Through this process, the mediator encourages the parties to reassess their own situation.

Paraphrasing is a mediation tool that involves the mediator restating or summarising the parties’ comments in order to clarify them, offer empathy and understanding, reduce misinterpretation and tone down the emotions.

Labeling is a communication technique employed by mediators to assist in the management of emotions, the creation of rapport, and the facilitation of understanding between parties by acknowledging and naming the emotions or feelings expressed by a participant during a mediation session.

Tactical empathy is the mediator’s ability to understand the emotions, perspectives and needs of the parties involved in order to foster trust, facilitate communication and ultimately reach a resolution.

The assertive communication applied by the mediator refers to the techniques used to express the mediator’s thoughts on how he/she experiences the parties and their emotional status in ways that avoid blame and accusations and enable the listing of needs, emotions and interests in a safe manner that allows the process to proceed towards negotiation.