Nonviolent Communication (NVC) - What is it?
Nonviolent Communication is global sweeping movement that is transforming the way we speak, communicate, connect, see and relate to others, ourselves and the world around us.
“NVC is founded on language and communication skills that strengthen our ability to remain human, even under trying conditions.”
Marshall B. Rosenberg.
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a communication framework that allows us to express ourselves in all of our humanness, no matter what our circumstances are. The intention of NVC is to remind us (along the way we fell asleep to this knowledge) of what we already know — how to truly and deeply connect with each other.
Nonviolent Communication (NVC), teaches us important skills and techniques that helps us become better communicaters and better leaders. Through NVC, we learn how to communicate our needs, and hear the needs of others with much more empathy and compassion. This allows us to connect with others in a way we never have before.
NVC teaches us how to become an Observer of our experiences instead of a reactor. Using NVC's four powerful steps- Observations, Feelings, Needs, and Requests we are able to respond to any conflict and challenges in a more harmonious way.
Learning NVC contributes positively to our own and others wellbeing. It gives us the tools that enables us to communicate with more confidence, clarity, compassion, empathy and self-responsibility. NVC is a powerful framework that helps us get out of our own way by recognising how we speak and relate to others, and to ourselves.
NVC supports us in learning more about ourselves. What our needs are and what is alive in us moment-to-moment. With this awareness, we learn how to take ownership of our feelings and needs — leading to healthier behaviours and relationships, and a more empowered and authentic life.
Nonviolent Communication vs Violent Communication
The name "Nonviolent Communication" was derived from the tradition of Nonviolence practiced by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King. Marshall Rosenberg developed NVC as an awareness and language structure that supports us to stay in our hearts and seeing the humanness of the other, rather than a "fixed language" which supports us to de-humanise and lose connection.
When we see someone in a fixed way ("they are... "), we lose human connection and close our heart to their humanness, and to our own.
The word "Nonviolent" is the closest word we have in the english language to the sanscrit word "Ahimsa" which refers to that inner spaceousness within us (which is beyond words) which we experience when all arguement with what "is" has subsided.
In NVC we focus our attention on "What would make Life More Wonderful". In NVC we are focused on the common good, on what brings us "alive". Violent communication stems from our mind and can be categorised as communication that is based on moralistic judgement, threats, dehumanisation, blame and coercing another including rewards and punishment.
These types of behaviour create further pain and frustration and can lead to more conflict or disagreement. Nonviolent Communication allows us to really see and hear each other and ourselves, and respond in an empathetic and compassionate way.
Choosing to use Nonviolent Communication in our expression strengthens our connections, builds stronger relationships, creates harmonious workplaces, and allows us to observe and respond free of any past reactions.
How Dr Marshall Rosenberg reshaped how we interact through NonViolent Communication
Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg is a well-known psychologist and founder of Nonviolent Communication (NVC). His development of NVC began in the 1960s.
Dr Rosenberg taught Nonviolent Communication (NVC) to people of all ages, gender and walks of life. He used specific NVC frameworks to help resolve disputes, conflicts, and create more authentic conversations by teaching his students how to compassionately express how they are feeling, and what they are observing, and needing.
Although he has since passed, Dr Rosenberg's teachings live on. From individuals, couples, corporates and organisations to schools, health and workplaces, NVC is a revolutionary language that is changing the way we connect with each other.
Through his teachings, Dr Marshall B. Rosenberg has demonstrated that NVC is much more than a language, but an entirely new wave of consciousness. His life-enriching wisdom still continues today, with thousands of certified NVC teachers, trainers and faciliators teaching NVC to students, country to country — all around the world.
Are you ready for a change?
Do you want to create more purpose in your work, more harmony in your relationships, and lead with more compassion and authenticity?
Are you ready to enrich all areas of your life?
I would love to invite you to our Level One Foundation Trainings where you will learn, embody and integrate the powerful frameworks of Nonviolent Communications.
"All that has been integrated into NVC has been known for centuries about consciousness, language, communication skills, and use of power that enable us to maintain a perspective of empathy for ourselves and others, even under trying conditions."
- Marshall B. Rosenberg
Nonviolent Communication Cheat Sheet Workbook
Nonviolent Communication can be used in any workplaces, families, personal and intimate relationships, therapy and counselling, business negotiations, organisations, schools and any disputs or conflicts.
Download your NVC Cheat Sheet HERE
FAQs
What is Nonviolent Communication?
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a communication framework that gives us the right tools and skills to express ourselves in our most authentic way. Referred to as compassionate communication, NVC enables us to deeply listen and create mutual respect and understanding. It is benefical for strengthening relationships and connects and can be used almost anywhere.
Does Nonviolent Communication work?
It depends on what you mean by work.
Sometimes people are fixed on getting a specific outcome and use NVC to try to get what they want. That is not the purpose of NVC. NVC is focused on creating a quality of connection and trust where we can find ways forward that work for both of us. Sometimes it happens that we can't see a way forward and we may need to mourn.
Using Nonviolent Communication creates a path for healing, understanding and further connection. It helps us see our common humanity and express ourselves in a way that is true for us. It is the perfect tool for creating harmonious relationships and can be used in workplaces, schools, organisations, institutes, counselling, business negotiations, disputes, conflicts in Australia and all around the world.
When can I use Nonviolent Communication?
Nonviolent Communication can be used in our every day lives. NVC helps us develop healthy communication skills and enable us to see and relate to others in a more meaningful way.
Why is Nonviolent Communication important?
Nonviolent Communication is changing the way we communicate, connect and relate to it other. It is a powerful consciousness that enables us to give to others and to our ourselves. Once you have learnt the skills of NVC your life can become so more enriched and fulfilled.
Join My Programs and Trainings
Have you learnt NVC and want to live it more fully in your life . . . or perhaps you're just beginning to explore Nonviolent Communication and would like more support on this path.
Whether it's our 2-Day Foundation Training (perfect for beginners), or our signature 6 Month Peer Leadership Program designed to help you embody and integrate NVC more deeply into your lives, our programs and trainings have been specifically created to nourish and guide you on your NVC journey.
2-Day Foundation Training
Our 2 Day NVC Foundation Training is the starting place to learn the basics of Nonviolent Communication. Whether attending In-Person or Online, each session will help you learn how to meet conflict confidently and create strong and empowering connection in your relationships, home life, workplace, as well as connect you to a like-minded community.
Weekly Practice Group
The Weekly Practice Group is a beautifully connected environment where we gather together to learn, share, and practice the wisdom of Nonviolent Communication. This practice is for those who have attended the equivalent of a 2 Day NVC Foundation Training or beyond, and is a weekly group with highly experienced trainers, and structured support.
6 Month Peer Leadership Program
Step into your authentic leadership. The Peer Leadership Program takes your NVC skills to the next level. The 6-month leadership and mentorship program is specifically designed to nurture, accelerate and deepen the integration of NVC principles and practices into your life. It’s transformational power is achieved by group mentoring, focus and intention.
4-Day NVC Living Retreat
Being Me-Loving You 4 Day (non-residential) Retreat. During this four day retreat, you will be in a community of unconditonal love, support and non-judgment. We'll get to connect deeply with our bodies and deeply learning powerful NVC skills whilst receiving nurturing and gently releasing patterns, which unbeknown to us, we may have held onto for years!