Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is an important tool in building understanding and community. Marshall Rosenberg, who developed this model of communication, asserted that all emotions arise from met or unmet needs. NVC invites us to recognize our feelings and needs, share our lived experiences, and listen to and learn from each other.
Knowing the difference between calling someone in or calling someone out, can help us reflect, then act, in the ways we feel will best promote constructive change.
Check out this video that explains the importance of nonviolent communication. Please note that NVC is not a technique to end disagreements, but rather a method designed to increase empathy and improve the quality of our connections.
Self- Reflective Questions:
- What are some benefits you foresee when implementing practices of non-violent communication? Any challenges?
- Can you identify specific instances where non-violent communication positively impacted your relationship with someone else?