NVC – Non Violent Communication

Training course in Lettonia da cui apprendere davvero molto

🌍  Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a process that promotes understanding, empathy, and connection.   

🫴 We are excited to continue our project, “Empathic Way: Journey of Nonviolent Communication,” where we focus on practical skills to enhance communication and relationships in the workplace, especially working with youth, and personal life. During the first days of our training, participants already had the chance to get introduced to the Four Steps of NVC, which provide a roadmap for more compassionate and effective communication.

Here’s a closer look at these four transformative steps:

1. Observations ≠ Judgments
   Observations are about noticing what is happening around us without adding our interpretations, judgments, or opinions. For example, saying “I noticed you didn’t submit the report on time” is an observation, while “You are always late with your work” is a judgment. By focusing on observations, we stay objective, reducing defensiveness and misunderstandings in our conversations. Before expressing an observation, you can ask yourself: Could the camera record this? 🎥
2. Feelings ≠ Thoughts
   Feelings reflect our emotional state, like feeling happy, sad, or frustrated. These differ from thoughts, which are interpretations or judgments about a situation, such as “I feel ignored.” This statement is more about what we think others are doing to us, not about how we truly feel. By clearly distinguishing between feelings and thoughts or “false feelings”, we communicate our emotions more authentically and open a space for connection. When expressing a feeling, you can ask yourself: Where do I feel this in my body? What is the sensation? 🩵
3. Needs ≠ Strategies
   Needs are universal, like the need for respect, connection, or safety. They drive our actions but are not tied to specific people or actions. On the other hand, strategies are specific actions we take to fulfill these needs. Understanding the difference between needs and strategies helps us focus on what truly matters—our shared human needs—rather than getting stuck on specific demands. Sometimes, it can help to ask yourself: “What other strategies are available for meeting my need of …?” 🤔 
4. Requests ≠ Demands
   Requests are clear, specific, and actionable, stating what we would like others to do in a way that respects their freedom to say no. For example, “Could you help me with this project today?” is a request, whereas “You must help me now” is a demand. Requests invite cooperation and mutual respect, while demands can lead to resistance or compliance without genuine willingness. This is the last step, as it is helpful that the other person knows where you are coming from, and can empathize with your position. 🗣️

By learning and practicing these four steps, you can transform your communication and create a more empathetic and effective work environment. Empathic Way training course is here to guide youth workers in mastering these skills, making every interaction an opportunity for connection and growth. 🌍

This project is supported and co-financed by #ErasmusPlus and Jaunatnes starptautisko programmu aģentūra @jspa_latvia. Organized with partners from Portugal Associação Nacional de Estudantes de Psicologia (ANEP), Italy youth4youth, Czech Republic Avatar 3000, Slovenia Zavod Kajžica, Spain Corpografies, North Macedonia Litera Academy, and Poland Mudita.

#ErasmusPlus #TheEmpathicWay #NVC #NonviolentCommunication #YouthWork #InternationalTraining