Labeling and diagnosis is a catastrophic way to communicate. Telling other people what's wrong with them greatly reduces, almost to zero, the probability that we're going to get what we're after.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
Nonviolent Communication shows us a way of being very honest, but without any criticism, without any insults, without any put-downs, without any intellectual diagnosis implying wrongness.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Nonviolent Communication promotes honest expression without criticism or insults.
This quote by Marshall B. Rosenberg emphasizes the importance of expressing oneself honestly while maintaining respect and empathy in communication. It advocates for a way of sharing feelings and needs that avoids punitive language and fosters understanding, highlighting the power of compassion in human interactions.
Themes
CommunicationHonestyEmpathyRespectUnderstanding
In practice
Example use cases
In a workshop on effective communication, a speaker quotes this to inspire participants to engage without blame.
More from Marshall B. Rosenberg
All quotes βWhether I praise or criticize someone's action, I imply that I am their judge, that I'm engaged in rating them or what they have done.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
In nonviolent communication, no matter what words others may use to express themselves, we simply listen for their observations, feelings, needs, and requests. Then we may wish to reflect back, paraphrasing what we have understood. We stay with empathy, allowing others the opportunity to fully express themselves before we turn our attention to solutions or requests for relief.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
All that has been integrated into NVC has been known for centuries about consciousness, language, communication skills, and use of power that enable us to maintain a perspective of empathy for ourselves and others, even under trying conditions.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
The punitive use of force tends to generate hostility and to reinforce resistance to the very behavior we are seeking.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
Expressing our vulnerability can help resolve conflicts.
Marshall B. RosenbergRead
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To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.
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