Based on decades of leading trainings in communication skills to thousands of people on five continents, Nonviolent Communication is a handbook for recovering and practicing “the lost language of humankind, the language of a people who care about one another and long to live in harmony.” Using stories, examples and sample dialogues, this revised second edition provides everyday solutions to perplexing communication problems. These are the skills of a humane humanity—survival skills for a kind world.

Nonviolent communication can help:

ª  Individuals break patterns of thinking that lead to anger, depression and violence;

ª  Families and couples improve the quality of their relationships;

ª  School systems create healthy respect for diversity and differences;

ª  Co-workers communicate in a way that increases goodwill and cooperation;

ª  Health-care professionals develop systems that support compassion;

ª  Social service agencies find a way to meet needs constructively;

ª  Police, military and prison personnel prevent and peacefully resolve conflicts.

He provides useful insights about communication skills and styles, offering sections on giving from the heart, observing without evaluating, identifying and expressing feelings, taking responsibility for our feelings, requesting that which would enrich life (noting the difference between requests and demands), receiving empathically, expressing anger fully, the protective use of force, expressing appreciation, and more.

Included in the new edition is information on how to compassionately connect with oneself (a rarely appreciated essential).

NVC is founded on language and communication skills that strengthen our ability to remain human, even under trying conditions... NVC guides us in reframing how we express ourselves and hear others. Instead of being habitual, automatic reactions, our words become conscious responses based firmly on an awareness of what we are perceiving, feeling, and wanting. We are led to express ourselves with honesty and clarity, while simultaneously paying others a respectful and empathic attention...

As NVC replaces our old patterns of defending, withdrawing, or attacking in the face of judgment and criticism, we come to perceive ourselves and others, as well as our intentions and relationships, in a new light. Resistance, defensiveness, and violent reactions are minimized. When we focus on clarifying what is being observed, felt, and needed rather than on diagnosing and judging, we discover the depth of our own compassion.

Also by Marshall Rosenberg are Speaking Peace (audio) and Life-Enriching Education, as well as his original audio adaptation of his core book, Nonviolent Communication (CD or tape)