NonviolentCommunication
A Language of Life.
Transform conflict into connection.
Nonviolent Communication — Transform the way you communicate. Learn to express yourself authentically and listen with empathy through the four components of Nonviolent Communication.
"A way of communicating that leads us to give from the heart"
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is based on the principles of nonviolence— the natural state of compassion when no violence is present in the heart. NVC begins by assuming that we are all compassionate by nature and that violent strategies—whether verbal or physical—are learned behaviors taught and supported by the prevailing culture.
"What I want in my life is compassion, a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart."
— Marshall B. Rosenberg
The Four Components
A simple yet profound framework for authentic expression
Observation
"See without evaluating"
Observe what is actually happening in a situation without mixing in evaluation or judgment. State what we are observing that is affecting our well-being.
Violent
"You're always late!"(Judgment)
NVC
"When you arrived at 9:15 for our 9:00 meeting..."
Feelings
"Feel without thinking"
Identify and express our feelings in relation to what we observe. Distinguish feelings from thoughts and interpretations.
Violent
"I feel like you don't respect me."(Judgment)
NVC
"I feel frustrated and disappointed."
Needs
"Connect to what matters"
Acknowledge the needs, values, or desires that are creating our feelings. Our feelings arise from whether our needs are being met or unmet.
Violent
"You're so inconsiderate!"(Judgment)
NVC
"...because I value reliability and clear communication."
Requests
"Ask clearly"
Make a specific request for actions that we believe will meet our needs. Use clear, positive, concrete action language.
Violent
"You need to start being on time!"(Judgment)
NVC
"Would you be willing to call me if you'll be more than 5 minutes late?"
Practice Scenarios
See how NVC transforms real conversations
"Your colleague interrupted you in a meeting"
"You're always interrupting me! You have no respect!"
Processing emotions...
"When you spoke before I finished (observation), I felt frustrated (feeling) because I need to be heard and to contribute (needs). Could we agree to let each person finish before adding thoughts? (request)"
✨ Opens dialogue instead of creating defensiveness
Listen
The Power of Empathy
Listening is where transformation begins
Empathy is a respectful understanding of what others are experiencing. Instead of offering advice or reassurance, we can give others precious presence—the ability to be fully there with them.
Common Empathy Blockers
The noise that disconnects us
The Ripple Effect
When we communicate nonviolently, we create connection. That connection ripples outward, transforming not just our relationships, but entire systems of interaction.
Click to see how compassion spreads
Trust & Intimacy
Deep Understanding
Collaboration
Social Change
Continue Your Journey
Crucial Conversations
Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler
Extends NVC principles to high-stakes conversations where emotions run strong and opinions differ.
Difficult Conversations
Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, Sheila Heen
Provides complementary frameworks for navigating challenging dialogues with grace and effectiveness.
The Compassionate Connection
David Rakel
Explores the neuroscience behind empathy and how compassionate communication heals relationships.
