Chapter 12: From Live Video to the Metaverse: Hosting Mediations in New Venues
In mediation, technology isn’t just a tool—it’s a game-changer. And if you’re not embracing platforms like Zoom or even considering the metaverse, you’re already behind. The real question is: Are you leveraging these tools to their fullest potential? Or are you simply going through the motions, treating virtual mediations as a digital version of what you’d do face-to-face?
Let me share a story that drives this home. Sarah, a seasoned mediator, found herself tasked with resolving a heated dispute between two multinational corporations. These were high-stakes negotiations where every word, every pause, and every non-verbal cue mattered. Traditionally, this would have been handled in a boardroom. But Sarah? She took it online, into the realm of live video mediations.
She didn’t just set up a Zoom call and hope for the best. She crafted an experience. Her virtual background wasn’t her living room or a beach—it was neutral, calming, and intentionally distraction-free. Participants weren’t hidden behind muted mics and turned-off cameras. They were present, visible, and engaged, because Sarah insisted on it. This wasn’t just about logistics; it was about creating an environment where collaboration could thrive.
Now, here’s the thing about Sarah: she didn’t stop at what Zoom was built to do. She made it do more. Breakout rooms? They weren’t just for private conversations; they were strategy hubs. The chat function? A lifeline for real-time, unfiltered input. Screensharing? Not a one-off convenience but an integral part of the discussion, bringing documents and visuals into the negotiation in ways a physical room couldn’t.
But Sarah also knew Zoom wasn’t perfect. So, she expanded her toolkit. For particularly thorny issues, she shifted gears into asynchronous mediation platforms. These allowed the parties to take a beat, review evidence, and respond thoughtfully—no interruptions, no pressure to fill silences with half-baked ideas. And that’s where Sarah really shined: in her ability to adapt, to mix live and asynchronous methods seamlessly, always keeping the process moving forward.
Here’s a truth about virtual mediation: it’s not the same as being in the room. The lack of physical presence is a hurdle—but it’s not insurmountable. Sarah bridged the gap with something many mediators overlook: intentional human connection. She opened each session with small talk, inviting everyone to share something personal, even light-hearted. It wasn’t filler. It was trust-building. And when the stakes were high, that trust was the difference between posturing and progress.
Security? Of course, it was paramount. Sarah didn’t just rely on Zoom’s encryption and passwords; she reinforced them with clear confidentiality agreements. Every participant knew their words were safe, their data protected. And in doing so, she set the stage for honest, vulnerable conversations.
Now let’s pivot—because the story doesn’t end with Zoom. The digital frontier is bigger than that. The metaverse is no longer a concept of the future; it’s a reality that’s reshaping how we interact. And Sarah? She wasn’t content with just navigating this space; she mastered it.
In the metaverse, mediation transcends the boundaries of a screen. Imagine participants represented by avatars, stepping into a 3D room that feels as real as any conference table. They’re not just talking—they’re moving, collaborating, engaging in ways that spark creativity and dissolve the stiffness of traditional formats. Sarah used these spaces not as a gimmick but as a tool to unlock new possibilities. Need to visualize a timeline of events? A digital whiteboard materializes. Want to role-play a contentious scenario? Avatars act it out in real-time.
The magic of the metaverse isn’t just the tech—it’s the psychology. By immersing participants in an environment that feels tangible yet neutral, it breaks down barriers. People see possibilities they hadn’t considered, approach problems with fresh perspectives, and, most importantly, listen. Sarah didn’t just mediate; she orchestrated a symphony of collaboration.
And let’s not overlook inclusivity. The metaverse is a cultural melting pot, where avatars can reflect diverse identities and perspectives. Sarah embraced this, tailoring her approach to ensure every voice was heard, every background respected. It wasn’t just good practice—it was essential to creating a space where real progress could happen.
What Sarah’s story teaches us is simple but profound: the tools we use matter, but how we use them matters more. Live video platforms like Zoom are powerful, but only if you wield them intentionally. The metaverse is exciting, but only if you see it as a means to an end, not the end itself.
As mediators, our job isn’t just to adapt—it’s to lead. To show our clients that the digital age isn’t a limitation but an opportunity. To use technology not as a crutch but as a catalyst for better outcomes. So whether you’re hosting a Zoom mediation or stepping into the metaverse, the challenge is the same: Will you leverage the tools at your disposal to elevate your practice? Will you create environments that foster trust, spark creativity, and drive resolution?
Because here’s the truth: mediation isn’t about the room you’re in, whether it’s physical, virtual, or augmented. It’s about the space you create—the trust you build, the conversations you guide, the solutions you inspire. Technology is just the beginning. What you do with it? That’s where the real magic happens.
Mitch Jackson | links