Chapter 11: Post 3

This chapter covered the world of mediation and the role a mediator can play in an interpersonal conflict. In this chapter, the idea of reframing was covered. I have learned about reframing in another Communication Studies class where I fell in love with it. Therefore, when I saw it in our text, I instantly became related to the chapter. In my previous Comm class, reframing was touched on when we discussed techniques of dialogue. This chapter referred to it in the context of interpersonal conflict, which was a new way to think about it. The reason I love reframing is because it is the most applicable tool I have learned in my Comm studies courses. Additionally, it is highly effective, as well. I've even taught my mother how to reframe! I've used reframing to turn a negative into a positive. For example, I have been at dinner with my friends and one of them complained that he did not like their food at all. He wanted to complain to the manager about his distaste for this new dish and wanted it discounted, at the very least. Personally, I thought he should not do that because he had already eaten most of the food. I used reframing to keep him from causing an unnecessary conflict. I told him, "You appreciate trying new things and this was a risk you took. Though it was not the best thing you ever ate, it's great that you love to discover new things you love and learn what's not meant for you." Reframing in this situation let me focus the attention on the positive: his boldness and love for trying new things. I find reframing incredibly helpful and will definitely keep using it.