Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a concept developed by Marshall Rosenberg that seeks to allow practitioners to communicate with others effecitvely and with compassion. It focuses on clearly expressing observations, feelings, needs and requests to others in a way that avoids diagnostic language or language that labels or defines others in negative ways.

Those who use Nonviolent communication seek to avoid using fear, guilt, shame, blame, coercion or threats to get their needs met. Instead, the ideal of Nonviolent Communication is for all people to be motivated only by what brings pleasure to them and good to humanity as a whole.

Rosenberg, trained as a clinical psychologist, has used the concept of Nonviolent Communication in peace programs in Rwanda, Burundi, Nigeria, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, the Middle East, Serbia, Croatia, and Ireland. The theory has much in common with concepts used in Mediation and Conflict resolution and is used by some mediators in their work. It may also be called compassionate communication.

Although the name of the concept implies a commitment to nonviolence, Rosenberg endorses the use of protective force as long as it is not punitive.¹

"[Nonviolent Communication] is Language, thoughts, communication skills and means of influence that serve my desire to do three things:

• to liberate myself from cultural learning that is in conflict with how I want to live my life.
• to empower myself to connect with myself and others in a way that makes compassionate giving natural.
• to empower myself to create structures that support compassionate giving."

-Marshall B. Rosenberg - Lausanne, Suisse sept. 2003

¹From a day long seminar given by Rosenberg in London, England on June 11, 2004

External links

• Center for Nonviolent Communication
• Compassionate Communication - an article by Marshall Rosenberg that describes the philosophy behind Nonviolent Communication
• Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Compassion - this site includes excerpts from Rosenberg's book by this title
• To hear Marshall Rosenberg talk about Nonviolent Communication