Arbitration & Mediation

Irritating Mediation Phrases

By Christopher Annunziata

Over at DIALOGIC Mediation, Arnold Zeman has posted the 10 most irritating phrases/expressions/idioms as compiled by an Oxford University study.  At the end of the day, I personally agree with most of them.  There are also a few that I’d add.  Eh, it is what it is.

It got me thinking, though, about overused phrases, gimmicks and crutches that some mediators use when they can’t think of anything productive to say.

I’d love to hear from you.  If you are a mediator, what phrase, idiom or expression causes you to cringe when you hear a party say it?  If you are a lawyer or repeat user of mediation,  what phrase, idiom or expression makes you sigh deeply in disbelief when you hear the mediator say it?

I’ll get the ball rolling.   I have to stifle my impulse to roll my eyes when a party says, “It’s a matter of principle.”

One last thought - is it really irritating a) if your client has never heard it and b) it WORKS!?

Full post as published by CKA Mediation and Arbitration Services Blog on November 10, 2008 (boomark / email).