Exercises in the Nonviolent Communication Model

NVC™ Exercises

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Exercise 1. Observations and Evaluations

Determine which of the following statements are observations and which are evaluations.

Place an "O" or an "E" at the end of each statement.

Exercise 2. Feelings

If a feeling is not expressed, please write the feeling you would guess is alive in the words.

Exercise 3. Determining Needs from Requests

If you heard these statements, would the speaker be expressing a need or making a request. If it's a request or a mix write why.

We recommend a facilitator be present for the following two exercises.

Exercise 4. Connecting to the life in a person. Guessing what human needs might be present.

A) Recently, what person or thing has contributed to your well-being materially, emotionally, or spiritually?

Recall a specific instance of this.

B) Recently, what person or thing has detracted from your well-being materially, emotionally, or spiritually?

Recall a specific instance of this.

Exercise 5. "United Nations style" language translation demonstration.

A) Pretend you do not like your presenter/facilitator for whatever reason.

Do your best to express your dissatisfaction through judging , analyzing, diagnosing and criticizing.

B) If you are willing, try this in reverse.

After the Workshop

After the workshop, what can you do that will assist you to live the Nonviolent Communication process in your daily activities?

We suggest three things to keep in mind for continued improvement of your communication skills:

Consciousness of your values. How do you want to live? Take time daily to reflect on and clarify your values, needs, and intentions.
Practice. During the day, if you catch yourself acting in a manner not in harmony with your values, make a note of it and later do an exercise on how you could have done it differently. Take part in self-education, workshops, and practice support meetings.
Become a member of a community dedicated to living non-violently. Associate with others who share your values. Network with people who desire to use the Nonviolent Communication process to help them live in harmony with their values.