ESSAY : MEDIATING or NEGOTIATING.

At least 5 authoritative sources required (okay to include previous research, but you also need at least three fresh sources).

• As with previous tip sheets, I’ve included the previous sheets at the bottom in blue in case it helps you process the information.

• Continue with the same subtopic of Forgiveness you’ve been researching, or select a new subtopic if you are writing more than two essays. Remember: at least two of your essays must be on the same topic (to encourage delving into greater depth). Don’t feel obligated to insert the words Forgive or Forgiveness in the essay; so long as your subtopic falls under the huge umbrella of the topic, you’re fine. For instance, during the researching process, some of you have branched out further (e.g., the mental health impacts of extended bitterness versus forgiveness in cases of violent crime) than where you started, but it’s likely fine so long as it is still reasonably related. If you’re unsure, ask me.

• Select an issue (question) that you wish to address about your subtopic. Stay focused on addressing this throughout the essay. Reach some workable, feasible solution. This solution need not eliminate the conflict, but may diminish the degree of conflict. TIP: You’ll make it easier on yourself if you craft a specific, concrete compromise (e.g., urging writing a letter of forgiveness to the criminal) rather than a general, abstract one (e.g., go forth and forgive).

• Whether you choose mediating or negotiating, you need to identify the audience beneath your title: the two disputing parties. If you opt to negotiate, identify the disputing parties as well as which party you are.

Find creative, feasible solutions.

Build from common ground.

Like with convincing and persuading, mediating will likely not reach everyone.

Focus on the best solution under the circumstances. Provide benefit for each side (win-win).

The solution may not provide equal benefits, but both sides should leave with sense of progress and some gain as a result of flexibility.

Ethos: Earning the respect of both sides
EX: listening to all disputants (e.g., Lincoln)

Pathos: Using emotion to appeal to both sides
EX: greater good (e.g., John McCain’s concession speech)

Logos: Integrating values of both sides

EX: Oslo Peace Accord (truce between Israel and Palestinian Authority)

No set format so long as it is logically organized and achieves objective.

One possibility:
1. Overview of the conflict (301)
2. Discussion of differences underlying the conflict (302) 3. Proposed solution (303)

5 Pages