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About
Marshall Rosenberg developed Nonviolent Communication (NVC), a relational approach to speaking and listening grounded in empathy, needs-awareness, and mutual understanding.
Trained as a psychologist and shaped by years of teaching and conflict resolution, Rosenberg was deeply concerned with how language can either create connection or reinforce cycles of blame, punishment, and disconnection. Rather than offering quick fixes or communication tricks, he articulated a simple but transformative framework: speak honestly from the heart, listen with empathy, and focus on the universal human needs beneath behavior.
His method encourages people to move away from judgment and control, and instead observe clearly, express feelings, name needs, and make requests with care. In education, parenting, and community life, his work continues to shift how we respond to conflict—not with power over, but with presence. For Rosenberg, communication was never just about words. It was a way of remembering our shared humanity.
Related Terms
Nonviolent Communication, Empathy, Needs-Based Communication, Conflict Resolution, Peace Education, Parenting Without Punishment
References
- Rosenberg, Marshall. Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life
- Center for Nonviolent Communication
- NVC Academy
Glossary
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) – A four-part process for communicating with empathy and clarity: observations, feelings, needs, and requests.
Needs-Based Communication – Speaking and listening in ways that center universal human needs rather than judgments or positions.
Empathy – A quality of presence and deep listening that helps others feel seen and understood without fixing or advising.
Domination Systems – Social structures based on hierarchy, coercion, or punishment, which Rosenberg sought to transform through compassionate culture.
Jackal and Giraffe – Rosenberg’s playful metaphors for different communication styles: “jackal” for reactive language, “giraffe” for compassionate speech.