NON-VERBAL COMMUNICATION IN MEDIATION

Abstract

In Poland there is no system or comprehensive approach to the issue of using non-verbal communication in mediation. Usually, the matter ends with a description of some forms of body language. A lack of knowledge and skills in the scope of non-verbal communication has a negative impact on the mediation practice. The aim of this paper is to present a structured compilation of non-verbal forms and signals which can be applied in mediation. Furthermore, mediators’ skills in this scope were underlined. The analytical-functional method was used herein. An attempt was made to look at the matters related to using non-verbal communication in mediation from the theoretical and practical perspective. Due to the limited frameworks of the paper, the most significant and dominant non-verbal signals in mediation were selected for presentation. Firstly, the essence of non-verbal communication was addressed. Then, the principles of reading body language were presented. Next, signals occurring in non-verbal communication were discussed. Their role in communication and issues related to reading them properly were underlined. The paper ends with conclusions drawn from the conducted analysis.