Needs-Based Communication (NVC) RESOURCES

What is "Nonviolent Communication"

Nonviolent Communication™ (NVC), developed by Marshall Rosenberg, guides us to reframe how we express ourselves, how we hear others and resolve conflicts by focusing our consciousness on what we are observing, feeling, needing, and requesting. It is a tool that leads us toward a quality of connection among people where everyone’s needs are valued and get met through compassionate giving—out of the joy of contributing to another human being.

The potency of NVC is in its pragmatic simplicity. In any moment, there are two ways to enhance connection & understanding:
  1. vulnerably express our own feelings & needs, or
  2. empathically listen to the feelings & needs of the other.
These are radically different choices than we are accustomed to experience when we are in conflict: namely, fight, submit or flee.

While simple, NVC is often challenging to embody because we are so deeply conditioned to perceive each other through judgments. With practice, the tool of NVC helps us navigate within ourselves to transform blame & judgment--where neither our own needs nor those of the other person are likely to be met—​into a mutual awareness of human needs. 
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What NVC is not ...

  • NVC is not about being nice; it's about being real. It's not about stifling intensity, but transforming it.
  • NVC is not about changing other people or getting them to do what we want. It's about changing ourselves, and in that change, we are better able to inspire connection & understanding.
  • NVC is not a technique or formula. It's a process that helps guide our consciousness to a new awareness around human needs.

Weblinks

Workbook: NVC Introduction

nvc0_workbook_v2.3.pdf
File Size: 357 kb
File Type: pdf
Download File
This 22-page workbook includes the core pages from Basileia's workshop materials for the "Introduction to Needs-Based Communication (NVC)" workshop. We typically teach this workshop in a 1- to 2-day format for people who are new to NVC.

We offer these materials with a limited right to download and print/reproduce for personal learning or group workshops provided that (a) you contact us to let us know of your intention to use the materials, (b) the materials are used as-is keeping the copyright information on each page, (c) the PDF file itself is shared only by providing a link to this web page, and (d) the materials are not sold.

If you are using these materials in a workshop for which you are being paid, we request a donation to Basileia in whatever amount you would enjoy giving.

NVC Books

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Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life, 3rd Edition, by Marshall Rosenberg
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Nonviolent Communication Companion Workbook: A Practical Guide for Individual, Group or Classroom Study, 2nd Edition, by Lucy Leu
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Speak Peace in a World of Conflict: What You Say Next Will Change Your World, by Marshall Rosenberg