From the book:  “Reframing is a key skill in mediation.  One method to reframe is to restate what someone has said (a) to express it in positive terms, (b) to eliminate blame or accusation, (c) to identify underlying concerns, fears, interests, needs, values or goals, or (d) to identify common ground” (Barsky, 2007, p. 164).

Reframe the following questions, from the Bothand Project website, to add neutrality:

1. Did you believe we could enter into this war with Iraq and find allies to support our reactive response to terrorism?

2. What efforts have you made to resolve the conflict?

3. What can we do to prevent young people from destroying public property?

4. Could you clarify your statement for us?

5. I don’t understand what you are saying, it doesn’t seem logical; can you explain?

6. Can you think of a few ways this administration could support our ability to have an

affordable healthcare system for all citizens?

7. Illegal immigration is a serious issue in the South; how can we prevent this influx?

8. How can individuals and organizations support young people in our communities?

9. It is not democratic to fight; how can we shift this conversation to a more democratic

tone?

Reference

Barsky, A.E. (2007). Conflict resolution for the helping professions, 2^nd ed. Belmont, CA: Thomson Higher Education.

Bothand Project. (2005). Reframing loaded questions.  Retrieved April 22, 2008 from: www.bothand.org/index.php?option=com_docman&task=doc_download&gid=17.