This 4-page article riffs on comments at a program at the recent ABA Section of Dispute Resolution conference to illustrate how oxymoronic the terms “facilitative,” “evaluative,” and “empowerment” have become.

When people use these terms, we kinda, sorta, probably think we know what they mean. But we don’t really know.

The article suggests ways that dispute resolution academics and practitioners can avoid speaking oxymoron.

As so-called communication experts, it would be nice if we could speak and write so that people actually do know what we mean.

A radical concept, I know.

But try it. You’ll like it.