What is it?

This workshop introduces the core principles of Nonviolent Communication and helps your team practise speaking honestly and listening with empathy in real workplace situations.

Why is it useful?

This workshop gives your team a simple, practical way to handle tough conversations with more clarity, respect and confidence.

Objectives

• Learn the four steps of the Nonviolent Communication model
• Practise expressing needs clearly without blame or judgment
• Improve listening skills through empathetic responses
• Apply the NVC approach to real team situations
• Commit to using one NVC habit in everyday conversations

Resources Required

• Time: 1.5 hours
• Flipchart or whiteboard
• Markers
• Handouts with NVC framework (see download)
• Printed scenario cards (see download)
• Timer

Process

Step 1: Welcome and Purpose (10 minutes)

1. Workshop goal: To establish clearer, kinder communication that supports collaboration.
2. Introduction: Brief overview of the NVC model:
   • Observation – Feeling – Need – Request

Step 2: Mini Input: The NVC Model (10 minutes)

1. Example walkthrough:
   "When I see deadlines missed (observation), I feel stressed (feeling) because I need reliability (need). Would you be willing to check in sooner next time? (request)"
2. Key point: Feelings reflect needs met or unmet.
3. Clarification: It’s not about being “nice”. It’s about being clear without blame and listening without fixing.

Step 3: Paired Practice: Spot the NVC (10 minutes)

1. Study the 3 example statements in your worksheet (some judgmental, some NVC).
2. In pairs, identify which follow the NVC model and which don’t.
3. Group debrief: What made them different?

Step 4: Team Scenarios: Rewrite with NVC (20 minutes)

1. In small groups, take a scenario card (e.g. "Someone talks over others in meetings", "A colleague misses deadlines", etc).
2. Task: Rewrite a response using the 4 NVC steps.
3. Each group shares their version.
4. Discussion:
   • How does this change the tone?
   • Would it be easier to hear or respond to?

Step 5: Real-Life Practice: Self-Empathy + Request (20 minutes)

1. Quiet individual reflection:
   • Think of a recent frustration at work.
   • Jot down: What did I observe? What did I feel? What did I need? What could I request?
2. Paired sharing: Use the NVC model.
   • Listener role: Just reflect back what you hear. No advice.

Step 6: Team Discussion: Using NVC in Practice (15 minutes)

1. Open group discussion:
   • When would this be useful in our team?
   • What might feel awkward or challenging?
   • How could we support each other to try it out?
2. Write up ideas and agreements.

Step 7: Wrap-Up and Commitments (5 minutes)

1. Write on a sticky note:
   “One NVC habit I want to try this week is…”
2. Share around the group, then stick them up on a wall or whiteboard.