Chapter 11: Post 1

The role of a mediator is well-suited for a communication studies majors because it applies the theories and techniques in a real world setting. In my personal experience as communication studies major, I've been introduced to the role of a facilitator and worked with a group of students as a class project. The rules that were taught to me then are very similar to what the textbook teaches as rules for a mediator. Similar ideas are used, like neutrality and re-framing are vital to both. These concepts are being taught to communication studies major every year, which is why it is a great stepping stone into mediation. Communication studies majors should make great mediators because they've not only learned these skills, but they've had the chance to use them and improve on them. With more training for formal contexts, a communication studies major would do an excellent job in the realm of mediation.
Lawyers and psychotherapists might find it difficult to play the role of a mediator due to its necessity of neutrality. A mediator must be an unbiased, third party. He or she must not side with either party, nor use any authority. Since lawyers and psychotherapists play authoritative figures, they may have trouble keeping opinion to themselves. Their jobs are to give advice, therefore mediation would not be the best role for them. A mediator should not make any decision making. He or she needs to speak only for his or herself. Someone who has been well-trained to use his authority to make a decision, like a lawyer, would not be the best fit for mediation.