Communication for Connection:
The art of communicating in a way that fuels connection and empowers us to use language to enrich, rather than damage, relationships.
Communication for Connection is grounded in the theory and principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC). NVC is the integration of four things: 1) Consciousness; 2) Language; 3) Communication Skills; and 4) Means of Influence.
Consciousness: Awareness around our thinking and habitual patterns of behavior. NVC consciousness breaks habits of blaming, accusing, demanding, judging, diagnosing, competing and moves us towards compassion, collaboration and authenticity.
Language: Recognition that our words contribute to connection or distance. NVC language includes a broader emotional vocabulary and the ability to identify what drives us as humans.
Communication Skills: The ability to hear others (even when in disagreement), ask for what we want, and move towards solutions that work for all. The NVC process provides a four-step communication framework: Observation, Feeling, Need, Request. This simple platform, rooted in empathy and authenticity, is the heart of NVC communication.
Means of Influence: Sharing power with others, rather than using power over others. This is why NVC is directly tied to Restorative Practices: people are happier, more cooperative and productive when those around us work WITH us rather than do things TO us or FOR us.
“Human beings have enormous power to enrich life. We can use words to contribute to people's enjoyment, their wisdom. We can use words that make life miserable for people. So our words are very powerful. We can touch people in ways that give great pleasure, great nurturing, support. We are powerhouses, and there's nothing we enjoy doing more than to use that power we have to enrich lives. So isn't it wonderful that we have this power and the joy it brings when we use it? That's to be celebrated.”
Dr. Marshall Rosenberg
How and when did Nonviolent Communication start?
The principles and process of Nonviolent Communication (NVC) were developed by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg (October 6, 1934 – February 7, 2015). Dr. Rosenberg was an American psychologist, mediator, author and teacher. Beginning in the early 1960s, he developed NVC as a process for supporting partnership and resolving conflict within people, relationships, and society. He worked worldwide as a peacemaker, and in 1984 founded the Center for Nonviolent Communication, an international nonprofit organization for which he served as Director of Educational Services.
Since the inception of the Center, the response to NVC has been extremely positive. It is seen as a powerful tool for peacefully resolving differences at personal, professional and political levels. There are people all over the world who have learned and practiced Nonviolent Communication, including over 700 certified trainers in over 65 countries.
Communication for Connection can change your life.
Workplaces and Nonprofits
Manage conflict, collaborative effectively, communicate with clear intent, build trust, improve culture and climate, give authentic feedback, increase meeting efficiency
Schools and Youth Organizations
Give genuine praise and feedback, speak in a non-blaming/shaming way, communicate better with co-workers, manage behavior from a place of needs and values rather than rules and punishment.
Community Groups and Churches
Deepen connection to yourself and others, work more collaboratively, improve teamwork, efficiency and morale, connect to our common humanity