Observation
Describe what you actually see or hear, without interpretation or judgement.
Nonviolent Communication
What is NVC?
A practical approach to express honestly, listen with empathy, and build connection – even in conflict.
Foundations of NVC
NVC helps you prioritize connection over winning, separate what you observe from how you interpret it, name feelings and needs instead of blaming, and make clear requests.
Feeling
Put words to how the situation makes you feel.
Need
Connect the feeling to an underlying need – what matters to you.
Request
Ask concretely for what you want – as a request, not a demand.
Ways to learn NVC
Three steps – watch, practice and go deeper.
1
Watch
A short introduction video that gives you the overview in a few minutes.
To the video → 2Practice
Try it yourself: rewrite a real comment with the AI tool and see the difference instantly.
Open the tool → 3Go deeper
Books, networks and talks for those who want to continue on their own.
To the resources →1. Watch: short intro to NVC
A quick overview in a few minutes.
2. Practice: rewrite it now
Paste a text and get back a short, respectful NVC version.
NVC version
3. Go deeper
Books, networks and talks for those who want to learn more.
NVC Sverige
NVC Sweden (NVC Sverige)
Swedish network with courses, practice groups and resources in Swedish.
Free intro lecture 19.00–20.00 on the 1st of every month Visit nvcsverige.se →Talk with Marshall Rosenberg
A longer walkthrough of NVC straight from the founder himself.
Watch on YouTube →Center for Nonviolent Communication
The official international organisation (CNVC) with trainings and materials.
Visit cnvc.org →Book: A Language of Life
Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life by Marshall B. Rosenberg.
Learn more at Adlibris →Frequently asked questions about NVC
Answers to common questions about Nonviolent Communication – easy to read and quote.
What is Nonviolent Communication (NVC)?
NVC, sometimes called giraffe language, is an approach and communication model developed by the psychologist Marshall Rosenberg. It helps you express yourself honestly and listen with empathy, focusing on the feelings and needs behind what we say and do.
Who developed NVC?
NVC was developed by the American psychologist Marshall B. Rosenberg (1934–2015). He founded the Center for Nonviolent Communication (CNVC) in 1984 and spread the method through books and workshops worldwide.
What are the four steps of NVC?
The four components are Observation, Feeling, Need and Request (OFNR). You describe what you observe without judgement, express the feeling it evokes, connect the feeling to a need, and then make a concrete request.
What is the difference between an observation and an evaluation?
An observation describes what can actually be seen or heard, for example “you arrived 20 minutes after the time we agreed”. An evaluation interprets or judges, for example “you are irresponsible”. NVC encourages you to keep the two apart.
What is meant by a “need” in NVC?
Needs are universal and shared by all humans, such as safety, respect, belonging, autonomy or meaning. In NVC, feelings are seen as signals of whether our needs are met or not. A need is not tied to a particular person or action – it is separate from the strategy used to meet it.
What is the difference between a request and a demand?
A request is concrete, positively phrased and possible to decline without punishment. If a “no” is met with pressure, guilt or punishment, it was in effect a demand. NVC is built on requests rather than demands.
What do “giraffe language” and “jackal language” mean?
Marshall Rosenberg used the giraffe – the land animal with the largest heart and a wide view – as a symbol for empathic NVC language, and the jackal as a symbol for judging, demanding language. The images are teaching aids, not judgements about people.
What is empathic listening?
Empathic listening means trying to hear the feeling and need behind what someone expresses, instead of immediately defending, advising or judging. It often helps to guess out loud: “Are you feeling frustrated because you would like to be heard?”
Can NVC be used in conflict and in online comment sections?
Yes. NVC is especially useful when the tone is harsh. By describing observations instead of accusing, and expressing your own feelings and needs, you can lower the temperature and invite dialogue rather than escalate the conflict.
How do I start practising NVC?
Start small: put words to a feeling and a need in an everyday situation and phrase a concrete request. Watch an introduction video, try the AI tool on this page, and read on via the resources. Practising in real conversations helps the most.
Is NVC religious or tied to a political party?
No. NVC is neither religious nor party-political. It is a communication method that anyone can use, regardless of background or beliefs.