Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships (Nonviolent Communication Guides)

Violent communication encompasses ways of interacting that cause hurt or harm, including judging others, blaming, discriminating, speaking without listening, criticizing, name-calling, reacting in anger, and labeling people or actions as good/bad or right/wrong. Nonviolent Communication integrates four elements: consciousness (principles supporting compassion, collaboration, courage, and authenticity); language (understanding how words create connection or distance); communication (asking for what we want, hearing others even in disagreement, and finding solutions that work for all); and means of influence (sharing power with others rather than exercising power over them). The approach serves three purposes: increasing our ability to live with choice, meaning, and connection; connecting empathically with ourselves and others to develop more satisfying relationships; and enabling the sharing of resources so everyone can benefit.