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NVC Library

NVC Learning Tools

NVC Learning Tools are references to guide your Nonviolent Communication learning adventure. These resources provide a quick way to locate foundational information and get quick tips.

Feelings and Needs Lists

Two indispensible references are the Feelings and Needs Lists. Download these and keep them handy.

Nonviolent Communication Learning Tools

Featured Tools

What Is NVC? Approaches to NVC

Inbal Kashtan and Miki Kashtan
Here's a table outlining eight ideas people have regarding what NVC "is". It provides columns for the principle, related needs and strategies of the NVC approach. You can add to the table your own ideas for NVC approaches. Included are five sets of reflection questions to explore what speaks to you, what would expand your range of options, what brings up discomfort, and more.

Learning Tools

The NVC Tree Of Life

Learning Tool •  1-2 minutes • 
Beginner Skill Level
Learning Tool
1-2 minutes

This one page colour handout illustrates the focus options or intention options for connection: empathy (verbal and non-verbal), self expression, and self connection (opening our heart to self and/or others). It also offers some suggestions for how to say these things to self and others.


Things We Know and Forget

Learning Tool •  3 - 5 minutes • 
Introductory Skill Level
Learning Tool
3 - 5 minutes

Here's a list of 13 essential reminders to help you examine how you think, listen and communicate both internally with yourself and outwardly with others while also reminding you to hold within your awareness important basic truths about what it means to be human and to relate.


What Is NVC? Approaches to NVC

Learning Tool •  2-3 minutes • 
Intermediate Skill Level
Learning Tool
2-3 minutes

Here's a table outlining eight ideas people have regarding what NVC "is". It provides columns for the principle, related needs and strategies of the NVC approach. You can add to the table your own ideas for NVC approaches. Included are five sets of reflection questions to explore what speaks to you, what would expand your range of options, what brings up discomfort, and more.


Empathy – Not Empathy

Learning Tool •  2 - 3 minutes • 
Beginner Skill Level
Learning Tool
2 - 3 minutes

This handout defines and contrasts "empathy" alongside "responses may meet needs, but are not empathy" (such as advice, correcting, consoling, etc).


Needs Cards

Learning Tool •  1 - 2 minutes • 
Beginner Skill Level
Learning Tool
1 - 2 minutes

Print-and-cut these 71 needs cards for one-on-one, partner or group activities, to help support the pratice of empathy. Includes nine blank cards for you to customize.


Feelings Cards

Learning Tool •  1 - 2 minutes • 
Beginner Skill Level
Learning Tool
1 - 2 minutes

Print-and-cut these 56 feelings cards for one-on-one, partner or group activities, to help support the pratice of empathy. Includes eight blank cards for you to customize.


NVC Flow

Learning Tool •  1 - 2 minutes • 
Beginner Skill Level
Learning Tool
1 - 2 minutes

This single-page handout illustrates the steps to translating habitual judgements and actions into OFNR.


The Four Responses Exercise Cards

Learning Tool •  30 - 60 minutes • 
Intermediate Skill Level
Learning Tool
30 - 60 minutes

Use these cards in your practice group or NVC training to understand 4 different ways of responding to hard to hear messages. Become aware of the way you habitually respond to stimulus and develop skills to respond with empathy and express honestly.


Self Assessment Matrix

Learning Tool •  00:28 hours:minutes • 
All Skill Levels
Learning Tool
00:28 hours:minutes

This self-assessment matrix is a concrete step toward naming and clarifying many skills that you may find valuable in your life. We suggest you periodically assess your skills to track your progress.


Colloquial NVC Options

Learning Tool •  2 pages • 
Intermediate Skill Level
Learning Tool
2 pages

How can we express ourselves in a way that supports a natural flow of connection while maintaining a focus on NVC consciousness? This handout from CNVC Certified Trainer, Miki Kashtan, offers seven options that support NVC enthusiasts in evolving from classical to colloquial NVC language.


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