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What is nonviolent communication?

Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a communication method and concept developed by Marshall B. Rosenberg. It aims to resolve conflicts, promote empathy and improve interpersonal relationships by promoting an effective and respectful way of communication. Nonviolent Communication is based on a fundamental assumption: people have needs that they want to meet, and if they are not met, this can lead to conflict and misunderstanding.

Nonviolent Communication consists of four main components:

Observation: This is the first step in which a neutral and objective observation of a situation or behavior is made, without judgment or judgment. It's about separating facts from interpretations.

Feelings: In this step, people learn to express their own feelings regarding the observed situation. It's about speaking honestly and authentically about your own emotions without blaming others.

Needs: This is where the individual needs and desires that lie behind the feelings are identified. Nonviolent Communication emphasizes that all people have universal needs for things like safety, recognition, connection, autonomy, etc.

Requests: In this step, clear and concrete requests are formulated in order to fulfill one's own needs or to find a solution to the conflict situation. These requests should be positive, accessible, and respectful.

Nonviolent communication aims to free communication from destructive patterns such as accusations, blame and accusations. Instead, it promotes an empathetic and sensitive type of interaction in which both one's own needs and the needs of the other party are taken into account.

This method is used in various areas including conflict resolution, couples therapy, parent-child communication, leadership, and everyday interpersonal interactions. Nonviolent communication helps promote understanding and compassion in relationships and resolve conflicts in a way that takes into account the needs of everyone involved.